KATAKLYSM - The Prophecy (Stigmata of the Immaculate)

Flashback review!!! Release date April 17/00 (Nuclear Blast)

Review originally published in Rip'N'Tear Magazine, Issue #5

Canada's own Kataklysm has produced an international level death metal release with The Prophecy. The complex song structures, alternating between staccato and hyperblast rhythms, are delivered with absolute power, aide by a full, heavy production. The uncompromising opener "1999-6661" and "Breeding The Everlast", the latter containing one mighty evil sounding riff, are the highlights of the solid first half of this release.

However, it is on the second half that this Canuck outfit really takes off, as blackened raspy vocals are added to trade off against the standard death growls, creating an interesting vocal duality. The band also introduces some melodic guitar phrasing making the material more memorable.

Which all leads to the closing ditty, "The Renaissance", one eight minute classic of the sub-genre. Starting with a creeping, powerful riff with picking guitar work over top, the song changes gears into a pulverizing heaqdbanger of monumental proportions, before closing out with an interesting bass solo. You won't have to visit Sweden or the States for your next dose of death!

(8)

Update: Man, I wish Kataklysm still sounded this dangerous. Time to get back to the hyperblast, boys!

Note: "The Renaissance" remains my fave track of the whole Kataklysm repertoire - beyond classic.