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By JEFF MAKI
Canadian hyperblasters Kataklysm had a tough task on their hands when the time came to record a new album. 2006's death metal staple, In the Arms of Devastation, is their best-selling album to date and saw the band gain mass exposure and popularity through nonstop touring. Could they possibly match the songwriting, intensity, heaviness and overall success with Prevail? Well, I wouldn't say they top their previous effort with this outing, but the band does well to match it. Plus, you've got to be excited about the band's new mascot, “The Heartbeast,” making his second appearance on an album cover.
With In the Arms of Devastation, Kataklysm retaine their trademark hyperblast and groove-oriented death metal style. But underneath and within the barrage of extremity, it's safe to say the band begins to experiment and infuse more melodic moments and diversity than on past albums. (Keep in mind Kataklysm has been together since 1991.) They expand this maturation further on Prevail (their ninth studio album). This is perhaps their most accessible and melodic material yet. Standouts “Taking the World By Storm” and “As Death Lingers” are examples of this near perfect blend of death metal and melody. Vocalist Maurizio Iacono doesn't sing, so don't worry; he still alternates between his coherent, yet deathly growl and his high-pitched screams. I've always thought his vocal delivery was one of the strongest in death metal and it gets better with every album. Guitarist JF Dagenais (who also produced the album) lays down vicious riffs in the same vein as In the Arms of Devastation and doubles the melodic output. The diversity is found on “Blood in Heaven,” a slower and melodic tune that reminds me of Dark Tranquility, and album closer “The Last Effort,” an instrumental with a classic metal guitar sound complete with a blazing solo. This one kind of reminds me of Amon Amarth. The rest of the songs are packed with the trademark Kataklysm sound: heavy and punishing.
Prevail is not Kataklysm's best album, but it might be their most complete. This is the next logical step in Kataklysm's evolution. When it comes to straightforward and powerful death metal, Kataklysm is one of (if not) the best. New elements in their arsenal will only fuel this death metal machine that never seems to disappoint.
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