Kataklysm – Goliath
Reviewed By: Billy Klare
Review Score: 8.5
Kataklysm return with album number fifteen titled Goliath released August 11th, 2023 via Nuclear Blast Records. Kataklysm are often classified as melodic death metal which is somewhat accurate but they are far more aggressive than a band like Amon Amarth who are probably the most popular band these days in that particular sub-genre category. This is the first album to feature drummer James Payne who joined after the recording of the previous album Unconquered. Hyper-Blast drumming has been a key component of the Kataklysm sound for the past thirty years and I’m happy to confirm James doesn’t miss a beat on the new record. Goliath is relatively brief at forty minutes (ten songs) but it’s the perfect length for a death metal album. Popular metal artist Eliran Kantor provides the striking album artwork.
The album opens strongly with ‘Dark Wings Of Deception’ and the title track ‘Goliath’, both are heavy grinding guitar tracks with vicious vocal delivery, double bass drum pummeling, and memorable mosh inducing breakdowns. It’s already clear at this early stage in the album that new drummer James fits in perfectly and even provides a slight energetic boost to the band. The albums two singles ‘Die As A King’ and ‘Bringer Of Vengeance’ follow next highlighting Kataklysm’s signature melodic death metal approach that perfectly balances brutality and melodic hooks. ‘Combustion’ provides some welcomed song writing variety delivering a heavy groove laden track with varied vocals highlighting hardcore and black metal influences (in addition to Maurizio’s excellent death metal vocal approach).
The second half of the album begins with ‘From The Land Of The Living To The Land Of The Dead’ providing a vicious death metal assault right out of the gate, never letting up for a second. Next up is ‘The Redeemer’ beginning with a cool atmospheric opening but quickly shifting to death metal with an undeniable thrash feel to the song. The unique guitar riffing and soloing on ‘The Redeemer’ separate this song from everything that comes before it on the album. ‘Gravestones And Coffins’ is a relatively slower, heavier and somewhat doom infused track. The album closer ‘The Sacrifice For Truth’ is filled with chugging guitars, intricate upfront bass riffs, melodic guitar soloing and Maurizio’s hook driven vocal delivery. There really isn’t a weak song on the album.
I only have two minor gripes to mention. I would love to see the band step out of the box more trying something notably different on a song or two. Kataklysm are very good at the style they play (and I’m a big fan) but the sound really hasn’t evolved much over the past thirty years. I enjoy Maurizio providing more variety in his vocal delivery but I personally don’t like the black metal screeching used briefly on a few songs, most notably in ‘Combustion’, but this is really just a matter of personal preference.
In summary, Goliath is a welcomed addition to the consistently strong Kataklysm discography and deserves an 8.5/10 rating. The album delivers exactly what Kataklysm does best – aggressive melodic death metal laced with hooks, breakdowns and memorable head-banging song structures. I would also like to mention that Kataklysm are an outstanding live metal band and I highly recommend catching them on the current Goliath tour as the songs are best enjoyed in a live concert setting. Fans located in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec can see them on tour next in November 2023.
Tracklisting:
Dark Wings Of Deception
Goliath
Die As A King
Bringer Of Vengeance
Combustion
From The Land Of The Living To The Land Of The Dead
The Redeemer
Heroes To Villains
Gravestones And Coffins
The Sacrifice For Truth