For those who have followed the transformation of Sweden's own masters of melancholy, Katatonia, since their inception will have seen a style shift as dramatic as black vs. white. This metamorphosis was complete with the release in 2006 of the bands majestic "The Great Cold Distance"; from which, this the third single is taken.

It is always difficult to rate a single as often an individual song can appear fragmented and somehow incomplete outside the confines of the whole album. "July" as a song is however strong enough to stand alone; surprising therefore that it is the third single from the album. Which does demonstrate the strength in depth "The Great Cold Distance" offers.

If you are already the owner of said "The Great Cold Distance", you may question the worth of purchasing "July", and in most cases I would tend to agree; in most cases. Not here however. This is maybe due to me being a fan of Katatonia, but I'd like to think that it is because "July" offers up something a little different from the usual CD single fodder. In addition to the title track we are offered up and exclusive remix of "Soils Song" and the stunning, previously unreleased, "Unfurl". For all the MTV generation, "July's" enhanced video is also thrown in for good measure. For fans of the band "July" is an opportunity to pick up a few rarities for your collection, and for the uninitiated this is your chance to expose yourself to one of metal's true innovators of avant-garde metal!