Can't get enough of new Testament? Well, no panic, because Italy's Methedras return with their new album! 'Katarsis' is the band's third one so far, but my first contact with them.

Okay, Methedras can't be called as mere Testament rip-offers, but they still owe a lot to those Californian thrash metal legends. From the opening "intro" 'Circle of Fire' it becomes clear, that The Haunted style neo-thrash is also a big part of Methedras' sound. Plus, you'll hear some Megadeth riffing on 'Mass Control'. The closer 'Nightmares' sounds more like Lacuna Coil or something like that in its goth-metal hit-song way and guest singer Lady Godyva (Godyva). Nimble-fingered guitarists run through their guitars' necks, but also halt for some neck-breakingly heavy stomp riffage. Well, we live in 21st century already... Another element is Pantera style groove, which is best shown on 'On My Knees'. 'Mass Control' owes a lot to latter-era Carcass with its' rocking heaviness.

Pounding drumming is adequate, but it is surprisingly infrequently when there's fast double kick drumming heard. The low grunted vocals by Claudio Facheris are almost imitation of Testament's huge-voiced Chuck Billy, but there are some Phil Anselmo-esque throat-shredding screams and bawling. Mr. Facheris has quite a big accent in his pronunciation, but it is not so evident because of his brutal manner. Generally the songs are well built, and the different styles vitalize the album rather than make it inconsistent.

The sound is absolutely heavy, but the bassy sound is a necessity for music like this anyways. The guitars are sharp, not muddy in modern low-tuned way, but maybe at times a tad too quiet in the mix. The drums are loud, but the snare sounds a bit too compressed for my liking, as well as the triggered kick drums. The vocals are nicely put together with a lot of variety and the backing vocals add more kick into the whole. The album was recorded in Italy, which shows that there are good studios there. Unique cover artwork idea suits well for the album. The lyrical themes include killers, wars and controlling powers, exactly what one would expect to hear.

'Katarsis' is a potent crossover album with fierce vigour and blasting production. Add some good songs to that and there is not much to whine about. Definitely worth trying if 21st century brutality is suited for your tastes. Methedras are a force to be reckoned with.

Rating: 8- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
04/18/2009 21:44