Released by: Nuclear Blast
Release Date: 31 July 2015
Genre: Death Metal
Links: Facebook , kataklysm.ca , Youtube
Line up:
Maurizio Iacono – Vocals
Jean-Francois Dagenais – Guitar
Stephane Barbe – Bass
Oli Beaudoin – Drums
Tracklisting:
01. Breaching the Asylum
02. The Black Sheep
03. Thy Serpents Tongue
04. Soul Destroyer
05. Vindication
06. Marching Through Graveyards
07. Shattered
08. Hate Spirit
09. Carrying Crosses
10. The World Is a Dying Insect
With the length of time a band like Kataklysm has been around, and the wealth of amazing music they have released, one would imagine that they would be one of the foremost Death metals on the tips of the tongues of fans of the genre. And I would say that those who have been following the style forever and explored the deepest, darkest realms of Death metal, know this band quite well. What I’m talking about are those fans that only follow the bigger acts like Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, and some of the more classic bands, yet they really don’t seem to be that widely known. Granted, only within the last five or so years have I gotten heavily into Death metal, yet the only time I heard the name Kataklysm was in regards to a show I went to see where one of the opening bands was who drew me out that evening. I was pleasantly surprised at not only how good Kataklysm were live, but how incredible their catalog of music was when I went back and did some investigating.
With their latest offering Of Ghosts and Gods, the band stands a good chance of finally etching their name in the top 10 best Death metal bands around. One of the things that I love about this album compared to past releases, is that they have managed to maintain their ferocious aggression and intensity while at the same time adding a certain sense of melodic quality to their songs. I also noticed that with this album they seamlessly combine their classic sound while adding elements of the new wave of Death metal bands. With tracks like “Breaching the Asylum,” “Thy Serpent’s Tongue,” “Soul Destroyer” and “Carrying Crosses” Kataklysm pummels the listener with tight, crunchy riffs and immaculate drum blasts that should surely satisfy even the most discerning fan.
I hate that when Kataklysm passes through my area on this tour that I won’t be able to make it because of my real job, as I would love to hear these new songs performed live. They blew my mind the last show, and I’m sure they’re bound to do it again. Of Ghosts and Gods is an album the band should be proud of and that the fans should be more than pleased with.
Written by: Chris Martin
Ratings: Chris 8/10
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