Tue Madsen (HEAVEN SHALL BURN, MAROON, THE HAUNTED) made a very modern production for the Canadian Death Gods KATAKLYSM, which will probably distract some Old School bangers. I was shocked at first, too, because they also reduced the tempo a bit. Furthermore, there are some brutal, slow groove parts, which are clearly Metalcore-influenced.

But there still reigns pure Death Metal, which is actually heavier than ever. What’s the sense on non-stop highspeed? This is probably also caused by the departure of highspeed drummer Martin Maurais, while original drummer Max Duhamel came back to the band. His drumming may be not the fastest, but he delivers more groove and dynamic. The result is a more brutal and more atmospheric sound, which opens a new dimension for KATAKLYSM.

Songs like the superheavy but still melodic crushers “Like Angels Weeping (The Dark)” or “Open Scars” should convince enough. Or take the very melodic, sludgy “The Road To Devastation”, which also proves, that KATAKLYSM have nearly reached perfection. (Online March 2, 2006)