Review of Kataklysm - Shadows & Dust

Last year I was fortunate enough to catch Kataklysm live at Milwaukee Metalfest and they totally blew me away. I walked in just as they began their set. I wasn't too familiar with the band, but I was lucky enough to meet them before the performance. Needless to say, these guys totally blew me away. Maurizio's brutal vokills, accompanied by some heavy riffs had me totally riveted throughout the performance. After seeing their powerful display, I told myself I had to further explore this band. Sadly enough I never did. After hearing Shadows & Dust, I got some sense knocked back into me and I will definitely be exploring this band's back catalogue. The guitar work on this CD is awesome. There are just some really brutal heavy parts, but there are also some great melodies on here too; not to mention the great breakdowns. Just listening to the riffs on the first track, In Shadows and Dust had me totally hooked. Maurizio Iacono's vokill assault is just brutal. There's times when his lower vokills remind me a bit of Barney Greenway, from Napalm Death, but a bit raspier. The drums are really solid on this release, there's some really powerful double kicks to be found throughout. The production and lyrics are really solid. I see no real problems with this album at all, although I don't like Maurizio's high pitched vokills as much. They just sound a bit weird to me (they sound like a goblin or gremlin or something), but it doesn't bother me that much though and I still totally dig this album. When it comes down to it, this album is heavy and I can guarantee you that the material on here translates awesome live. If you get a chance to check these guys out, don't pass it up, and while you're at it, BUY THIS ALBUM. You'll thank me later.

Release Details

Kataklysm

Shadows & Dust

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