Album: Cataract
Label: Metal Blade
Released: 4/1/2008
BSTscore: 66
Swiss metal group Cataract is back with their self-titled 5th full length album. The first thing I noticed was how the production has unleashed a more polished sound from the band. Their music hasn’t changed, but the sound quality provides a depth to music that I feel was missing on the previous albums I had heard. The album is heavy with driving guitars and thundering rhythm. I wouldn’t call it unique, but there is a solid mix of hardcore, thrash, and “southern” metal.
The guitar work, as with the band’s previous releases, is straight forward and adequate. It meshes well with the backbone that is Ricky Durst’s drumming, which is the strength of the band and album. The songwriting strength is exhibited best in the songs transitions. While the band mixes multiple genres into their sound, the flow of the songs is uninterrupted.
Lyricist/Vocalist Federico Carminitana provides a strong voice and lyrics that are worthy of the band’s sound. The best comparison I have is Himsa’s John Pettibone, but Carminitana has more range. His raw vocals fit the songs and the occasional screams are within the limits of his voice. Lyrically, the album follows suit with Cataract’s past releases, showing a dark and angry side that encompasses their sound.
While Cataract hasn’t done anything to hurt their standing in the metal community, I feel that they may not have done enough to help it either. Cataract is a good listen, but not a great listen. I would put this album somewhere in the middle of the road between technical and melodic, which makes keeps it from leaving a lasting impression. There are a handful of good songs, but not enough to propel the band to the next level.
Musicianship: 70
Vocals: 70
Creativity: 60
Impact: 65
Favorite Song: “The Separation of Life and Time”
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