Artist: KATAKLYSM
Album: MEDITATIONS (CD)

Release date: 2018
EAN/UPS: 727361408824
Media type: CD

As the band approaches this new era, they remain true to their root sound while developing an even more melodic dynamism. The title, »Meditations«, mirrors the emotional elements of these robust and vigorous sounds, while the incredible artwork (designed by artist Suzy Iacono) visually reflects the emotional torment and sonic release that the songs on the album portray. With KATAKLYSM’s classic symbol reflecting the clouds in the sky, a human face is seen struggling from inside the roots of a tree; screaming and struggling to escape. The washy colors set the tone for an intense and effective batch of musical measures. Strong songs like ‘Guillotine’ and ‘Outsider’ are sure to be die-hard fan pleasers with their classic KATAKLYSM sound and as they “are very intertwined with KATAKLYSM’s message,” says Iacono.

This album cycle also consisted of a slightly different recipe in terms of the recording process. Guitarist JF Dagenais, who has always been involved in the band’s recording, set out to do the entirety of »Meditations« with the band’s newest member, drummer Oli Beaudoin, by his side. Dagenais & Beaudoin recorded the album in the depths of the Canadian forest at the studio the band built specifically for JF’s recordings. The production process was also taken in an entirely different direction this time with the hiring of fellow Canadian Jay Ruston who more commonly works with bands like STONE SOUR and ANTHRAX. “It’s a risk when you’re in a very tunnel vision industry,” says Iacono. “We wanted something out there, with a different kind of production [and] we were very impressed with his sound.”

»Meditations« is a refreshing representation of both the roots and foundations of KATAKLYSM. It represents the duality of various essences in the realm of truly existing as an Outsider. It is something which will electrify consistent KATAKLYSM fans, welcome new ones, and reawaken old ones.

CD:

01. Guillotine
02. Outsider
03. The Last Breath I’ll Take Is Yours
04. Narcissist
05. Born To Kill And Destined To Die
06. In Limbic Resonance
07. ...And Then I Saw Blood
08. What Doesn’t Break Doesn’t Heal
09. Bend The Arc, Cut The Cord
10. Achilles’ Heel




LINE-UP:

Maurizio Iacono | vocals
JF Dagenais | guitar
Stephane Barbe | bass
Oli Beaudoin | drums