CATARACT „With Triumph Comes Loss”

Metalcore
39.08 (11 songs)
Cool songs: Killing Tool, Reborn From Fire, Nothing Left, Vanished in the Dark
www.cataract.cc

If you think Germany was the European hot bed for high quality Metalcore, you’d probably be right. However just over the border in the landlocked country of Switzerland, there are some serious contenders. Nostromo and Knut notwithstanding, the mighty quintet known as Cataract is just about the pick of the crop. In 2003, Cataract hit like a ton of bricks with the ‘Great Days of Vengeance’ album. Smartly written music, energetic and tightly constructed around some thick, cutting guitar riffs, it displayed all the necessary strong points that a good Metalcore album needs. I had great confidence that ‘With Triumph..’ would carry on in similar fashion.

Cataract is another of the current main players in the Metalcore scene that has been snapped up by semi-major metal labels. They are also one of three former Lifeforce label acts to do so (Caliban are now with Roadrunner and the awesome Heaven Shall Burn are at Century Media). Sitting comfortably along side label mates Unearth and Beyond the Embrace, Cataract should be able to forge a whole new following for themselves.

Right from the get go, the opening thrash-core belter in ‘Killing Tool’ proves that ‘With Triumph..’ won’t disappoint. Over the next’minutes or so, Cataract refuse to let up – the intensity meter hits red and stays there; the sole aim being to pummel the listener into submission with an unrelenting barrage of riffs and breakdowns. There is no mercy. The influences are there for all to witness – the hybrid Hatebreed core sound meets Slayer thrash-isms are as powerful as it’s ever been. I’d even suggest that Cataract have opted for a decidedly more ‘Metal’ sound throughout, particularly with the majority of their tracks maintaining a fast paced tempo. However, Cataract have been careful not to remove the dark, mid-tempo, almost plodding groove (kind of like Bolt Thrower) aspect of their song writing that had such a dramatic effect on the sound of ‘Great Days…’

Without question, ‘With Triumph..’ wouldn’t have been half the album it is without the simply brilliant Tue Madsen production (Denmark’s Antfarm studio). The guitar mix achieved here is incredibly thick and biting in the low end, giving the whole disc a massively heavy impact. The drums are superbly recorded and with Fedi’s harsh vocal tones given prominent place in the mix, this disc heaves with tremendous weight. Prospective Metalcore wannabe’s take note: On the back of this disc, Tue is going to be in high demand for his services.

Once again, Cataract has been able to keep their music interesting, and devoid of the ‘paint-by-numbers’ Metalcore characteristics that works to a detriment in many other acts. Along with ‘Nostromo’, they represent an ultra strong Swiss presence in the scene. If I haven’t said it before, this style of music is being swamped by a countless number of new bands looking to grab their slice of the market – this statement is nothing new to the switched on metal fan – it pays to be aware and seek out the better acts – No problems here punters; any fan of the metalcore sound will find plenty of longevity in ‘With Triumph..’

note: 8.5/10

Tracklist

1. Killing Tool
2. Nothing Left
3. Vanished In The Dark
4. Skies Grow Black
5. As We Speak
6. Code Oil
7. Fuel
8. Reborn From Fire
9. Saving Shelter
10. Hallow Horns
11. With Triumph Comes Loss