Metal
Moribund Records
Release Date – March 24th 2023
Line Up:
Amanda Marie Jackman – Vocals
Geoff Waye – Guitar
Keith Jackman – Bass
Brian Downton – Drums (Additional)
Jason Williams – Drums (Session)
Tracklist:
1 – Firecry
2 – Valkyrie
3 – The Vultures Never Came
4 – She Runs With Wolves
5 – Heavy Is The Crown
6 – Coven
7 – This Cradle Will Fall
8 – Burning Bridges
9 – Barracuda (Heart Cover)
Newfoundland, yeah Newfoundland, that’s where you will find Category VI. You’ll probably hear them before you see them because these guys n gals make a right royal racket. Taking their name from the Hurricane Wind Scale measurement system which only goes up to 5! So, Category VI would be some vicious and destructive natural disaster. This is their third album since their formation in 2010, having not heard the other two – I will be sourcing them immediately, I cannot comment but if they’re anything like this then I’m in for a treat. This record follows a concept of the eradication of witches both back in the day and in the now – metaphorically. My mate Druid Paul told me that witch means wise woman and people used to go to her to get cured. The wise woman knew what herbs and plants were used to cure ailments. Matthew Hopkins has a lot to answer for!
Opener ‘Firecry’ is total and utter power with singer Amanda Marie Jackman possessing a classic operatic metal voice. My only criticism is that it’s a bit too far back in the mix, but hey you can’t have everything. Guitarist Geoff Waye knows his way around a plank (He’s also a member of thrashers Triskelyon) and has a neat line in proper metal riffs. ‘Valkyrie’ is a metal stomper and heavy as hell with a meaty chugging riff mirrored by bass man Keth Jackman making it double heavy as ‘The Vultures Never Came’ brings some melodic power metal, just get the vocal intro from Jackman – pure class then they rip into another banger. ‘She Runs With Wolves’ rattles along on another crunchy riff and rapid groove before ‘Heavy Is The Crown’ eases back a bit on a piece of melodic mid-paced NWOBHM. ‘Coven’ has a Celtic feel then ‘This Cradle Will Fall’ is almost a ballad that goes through the gears before the power metal blast of ‘Burning Bridges’ hits the gallop button which leads us to the huge faithful cover of Heart’s ‘Barracuda’.
If you include all the best bits from Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, and Dio then you will have some idea of what Category VI is all about, better still, treat yourself and get hold of a copy of this bristling energetic slab of real metal!
Score: 8/10
Reviewed by: Smudge
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