CATARACT

Cataract's new self-titled album marks their third full length release for Metal Blade, and the first to feature new guitarist Tom Kuzmic following founding member Simon Füllemann's departure early in 2007. The Swiss hardcore/thrash fusion maestros still pertain to a sound that is firmly rooted within the stylistic trappings of the metalcore genre for which they've become associated and, while offering little original to the increasingly profusive number of bands affiliated to the metalcore scene, Cataract stand head and shoulders above their rivals, with this latest release no exception. 'Cataract' provides an intense listening experience from start to finish, with each succinct composition crammed full of hard hitting guitar riffs, incisively heavy through a pristine production and mix. The Slayer-isms are perhaps, at times, a little too emphatic with 'Blackest Hour', for example, sounding like a bastardised version of 'Raining Blood' and 'Dead Skin Mask', though executed with such arduous intent, it conveys more as contemporary pastiche than overt plagiarism. Relentless in its musical vehemence, and guaranteed to make ears bleed, metalcore doesn't get much better than this. Although not included with the promo copy sent for review, a limited first edition includes a bonus CD of cover songs by bands such as Pantera; Slayer; The Ramones etc. so it's probably worth getting hold of 'Cataract' straight away to ensure value for money. Highly recommended to both the metalcore fan, and those who miss the long gone thrash essence of Slayer's early days.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Metal Blade Records

Album

CATARACT

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

46:29

RELEASE DATE:

25th March 2008

TRACK LISTING

1) The Separation of Life and Time
2) Blackest Hour
3) Snake Skin
4) Choke Down
5) Deathwish
6) Burn at the Stake
7) Tonight We Dine In Hell
8) Breeze of the Kings
9) Doomed Steps
10) In Ashes

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Switzerland

"Relentless in its musical vehemence, and guaranteed to make ears bleed, metalcore doesn't get much better than this."