CATHIS ORD

I suppose I'm just a sucker for progressive extreme metal, but it seems to me that the last couple of years or more have seen an explosion of epic, beautiful, and intelligent metal leaking from all corners of the globe. All of it has elicited an extreme response in either direction; no boring middle ground. And yet, with the possible exception of Fen, the UK has been slow to catch up with this. Cathis Ord's debut EP gave us a glimmer of hope; two 11-minute songs that showcased a wonderful grasp of epic progressive song writing across multiple genres. It certainly should have sold more than it probably did. However, I'm pleased to say that I have had great delight listening to the follow-up 'The Far Shore' this last couple of weeks. While, ironically, there is little in terms of major progression from the previous work, it's perhaps unfair to assume that this is re-treading the same formula. Sure, the majority of tunes are beyond the ten-minute mark, but this is no exercise in drawing things out. In fact, these are well-composed journeys both musically and lyrically. Cathis Ord certainly gives the heavyweights of the genre (Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, Alcest etc) a run for their money. And, what's more, it's all the more impressive when you consider this is effectively a solo project. However, and it's this insistence (whether intentional or not) on being a one-man band that ultimately brings about the failings of this album. The drums, whilst well-programmed, are a little too mechanical. Don't get me wrong, I love programmed percussion, it's just that this type of music warrants something a little grander and natural-sounding. The only other gripe is some human errors in timing on occasion; though these are few and far between, they are noticeable. None of this should distract from what is an excellent debut album though. Let's hope Cathis Ord become a full-fledged unit for their follow-up, and that we, as music fans, support their current and future career. Not through an ill-judged sense of national pride but because it deserves it, wherever it came from.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Self-released

Album

THE FAR SHORE

Review by Steve Cowan

RUNNING TIME:

56:31

RELEASE DATE:

January 2011

TRACK LISTING

1) Rider on the Dawn
2) Beyond these Gates
3) As Winter Lays its Siege
4) From the Far Shore
5) The Palace Withut a Name
6) Fire on the Horizon

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

UK

"...well-composed journeys both musically and lyrically. Cathis Ord certainly gives the heavyweights of the genre (Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, Alcest etc) a run for their money."