In an interview with the radio program Metal Global , Jonas Renkse , vocalist of Katatonia , commented on the departure of guitarist Anders Nyström . The separation occurred in March 2025 , after more than thirty years of partnership. The band was founded by both of them.
“For us, it wasn’t really a surprise. It’s unfortunate that things like this happen. Obviously, it’s something that – I mean, change, happens to everything at some point. That’s life. But, generally, I think about it very happily that we’ve had so much time together to create all these memories that we have and that are linked to the band and the things we’ve achieved.”
The vocalist continues: “We’ve had over 30 years to do this, which is longer than most marriages, probably. So I try to look at it differently and see something positive. That’s how I’m dealing with it. And the rest is just – I mean, I want to keep making music. That’s my motivation and I’m still hungry for it. It’s something I’ve invested a lot of time in my life to do, and I’m in a place where I really enjoy being, so I just want to keep going.”
Renkse also commented that things aren't usually easy behind the scenes: “People probably don't understand or aren't able to see what it's like to be part of a band, because it's a lot of work. If someone goes to a show and sees the band perform, and that includes me too, because even when I see other bands perform, I think, 'Wow, they have such a splendid life. They just go there, do a show, and that's it. And then a bottle of champagne awaits them.' But it's not always like that. That's a rare occurrence. We do it because we love it, but it's definitely not easy.”
Katatonia's latest album, Nightmares As Extensions Of The Waking , is now available. Listen here.
Anders Nyström's departure from Katatonia
On March 17th, through a post on the Instagram account , the guitarist's departure was announced.
Signed by Renkse, the statement mentions creative differences and personal commitments as some of the reasons for the split. The text also acknowledges the importance of Nyström's contributions to the band's distinctive sound.
The following day, on the same social network , Anders also posted a statement. In it, he lamented the absence of older songs from the group in concerts, something he considers a neglect of the band's early work. Furthermore, he expressed that Katatonia "should have been mutually put to rest," and that they could continue their activities under another name.
Currently, the band consists of Jonas Renkse on vocals, Nico Elgstrand and Sebastian Svalland on guitars, Niklas Sandin on bass, and Daniel Moilanen on drums.
