ALBUM REVIEW: Meditations – Kataklysm
Having taken what fans might consider a slightly longer break (three years as appose to one or two) to create their fourteenth album, death metal royalty KATAKLYSM are back with Meditations. With more than twenty years behind them, are the bands able to keep their incredible momentum on this latest record?
We begin with the ever-poignant quote, spoken with true conviction that really sets the tone: “For evil to triumph, it only takes good men to do nothing”. Guillotine then takes the moment of complete tonal perspective, then smashes through your ears as the blastbeats and the riff comes through. There’s more emphasis on dual vocal stylings here than on previous records, a good mixture of the high and the low growls. The riff is pretty melodic, but really only comes into its own a couple of times. Outsider has much more of a bounce and an agitated itch to it, with a melody that changes much more fluidly. The hook is consistently enjoyable, and lyrically, it’s a pretty strong track. Equally, the drumming gets a real range of paces to play around with, which makes a nice dynamic.
The Last Breath I’ll Take Is Yours has the grandeur and build up that seasoned veterans like KATAKLYSM are more than capable of conjuring. The tonal variation between bittersweet and aggression is great here, a definite strong point on the album thus far. Real intensity to the vocals, and the constant rise, to a swift and satisfying end make this a great demonstration of what the band are still capable of. Ever keeping up with the pleasantly unexpected, Narcissist begins with a throaty, guttural call much like traditional throat singing, that brings a more subdued start, with low quiet guitars and reserved drums. It’s all in wait for a magnificent song that feels well rounded, polished and fully realised. There’s a majesty to this track, a real superiority and earthliness, that again is something of a change from the total annihilation of previous KATAKLYSM tracks.
Fear not, for those looking for that trademark intensity, as Born To Kill And Destined To Die is one of those big, bodacious tracks with a superb line of riffs and truly splendid drumming. This could have been plucked straight out of any of the bands previous albums, it’s feels like a classic, with that sound that KATAKLYSM manages to make so distinct to them within the death metal scene. In Limbic Resonance will be also give you that old school feel to the mad, throat ripping, gnarly power that you know and love in KATAKLYSM’s music. This one throws riffs from every angle, from insane guitars to deep basslines that swing and punch like there’s no tomorrow. The slower moments only add to the overall tension that builds for these crazed moments; no fan could be disappointed with this.
It’s worth mentioning that the run times of this album’s songs are somewhat shorter than previous offerings, and it’s brought about a more flexible and dynamic feel to each song. The intense moments feel that little bit more volatile, more condensed, all the while allowing those more reserved melodies to shine just long enough. And Then I Saw Blood gives you a moment to catch your breath, as the lyrics push a message of loss and betrayal of the self, before allowing the melodic heart of the track to take full centre stage. Another thing KATAKLYSM are fully aware of, and for which we can only be so thankful, to how to manage the melodic elements of death metal, and the more overpowered, brutal side to create something in their music that truly has an emotional heart behind the impenetrable force. What Doesn’t Break Doesn’t Heal also starts on the slower side, but don’t be fooled, it’s only momentary. Chugging and growling, there’s a notion that something deeper is simmering here, unlike that frothing at the mouth anger, there is a rage in this song, and specifically in its lyrics that is embracing that bitterness, that resentment, to make something stronger.
Penultimate track, Bend The Arc, Cut The Cord is another journey into an onslaught of blastbeats, into the dark, playing with melodies and structures that are the backbone to what KATAKLYSM are best at; these heavy songs with a real grasp on what they want to say, both literally and through the very sounds they produce. Here, we finally conclude with Achilles Heel, which has another slow paced, contemplative start, and really takes it time getting into the meat of the song. It’s the longest track of the record, and truly encompasses a little of everything they have achieved in the whole album; real old school blast beats, reflective moments, poignant lyrical content, and a consistent heart and weight that grounds the entire experience.
It seems that the name of this album is indicative of what you’re getting here. There’s a variety of kinds of meditations here, for sure. Meditation on the old, meditation on the state of ourselves, the state of the world, and the reflection on what is to come. Musically, there are real moments of pause, and they are the corner stone this time around. The rage and impressive skill in these musicians is ever apparent, and the variety of changes they have consisted and run with, proves that KATAKLYSM are a band that continue to grow, and create more music with a purpose.
Rating: 9/10
Meditations is set for release on June 1st via Nuclear Blast Records.
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