Yet another (the ninth?) full-length from the Canadian butchers, who previously played one of the most severe varieties of death metal but gradually began mixing some melodic elements into their material in the new century. It is widely known that the first experiments were not particularly successful, but gradually Kataklysm regained respect, and the previous album was a near-perfect blend of brutality and melody. The new record continues the course charted at the turn of the century and, while it does not take the band to a new qualitative level, it further solidifies their position as one of the style's heavyweights.
The severity of the early works, the melodicism of the later ones, and an overflowing, frenzied energy — these are the main ingredients of the Canadians' music. As for the instrumental execution, it goes without saying that it is superb. Mighty, rich guitar riffs, ferocious growling, an eardrum-shattering rhythm section, stern melodies, explosive drive, and flawless sound quality. And as banal as this simple enumeration of the latest Canadian offering's virtues may seem, it just as precisely and inexorably reflects objective reality — which, as we know, is given to us through sensation. Therefore, if objective reality is good, then the subjective sensations can only be pleasant. So enjoy the listen, everyone, and let's start waiting for the next full-length.