Cathedral
The VIIth Coming
Dream Catcher
2002
by Nathan Pearce
Once again Cathedral has decided to create confusion with the doom loving masses. After returning to their roots with the release of the massive Endtyme, Cathedral has taken a sharp left turn into the land of the groove. The VIIth Coming is somewhat reminiscent of The Ethereal Mirror, but not as strange and progressive as say Caravan Beyond Redemption or Supernatural. It takes a mostly serious approach to the monster riffs and grooves for which Cathedral has become so famous.
If Endtyme was Cathedrals darkest, most grim release since their debut, The VIIth Coming would have to be their catchiest, down right grooviest release to date. Many will probably complain about the lack of grim atmosphere that made Endtyme so great, but I caution you not to overlook The VIIth Coming. In the world of Sabbath inspired riffs and grooves, Cathedral dominates with an unheard of originality.
Album opener Phoenix Rising immediately catches the listener. Lee Dorians vocals once again prove that metal doesnt have to be dominated by anger and hatred to create that all-important foot-stomping, head-banging atmosphere we all love so much. Cathedral even pulls back to jangle out a few acoustic guitar passages. Every song is distinct and complete.
Overall, The VIIth Coming is a much more up-beat and driving release than I expected. However, this is actually a great surprise. Fortunately Cathedral has decided to maintain the serious attitude of Endtyme, while combining it with the trippy grooves of most of their mid to late 90s releases, rather than falling back on the strange attitude of that eras offerings. The VIIth Coming is simply fun and addictive.
www.cathedralcoven.com
8.5/10
The VIIth Coming
Dream Catcher
2002
by Nathan Pearce
Once again Cathedral has decided to create confusion with the doom loving masses. After returning to their roots with the release of the massive Endtyme, Cathedral has taken a sharp left turn into the land of the groove. The VIIth Coming is somewhat reminiscent of The Ethereal Mirror, but not as strange and progressive as say Caravan Beyond Redemption or Supernatural. It takes a mostly serious approach to the monster riffs and grooves for which Cathedral has become so famous.
If Endtyme was Cathedrals darkest, most grim release since their debut, The VIIth Coming would have to be their catchiest, down right grooviest release to date. Many will probably complain about the lack of grim atmosphere that made Endtyme so great, but I caution you not to overlook The VIIth Coming. In the world of Sabbath inspired riffs and grooves, Cathedral dominates with an unheard of originality.
Album opener Phoenix Rising immediately catches the listener. Lee Dorians vocals once again prove that metal doesnt have to be dominated by anger and hatred to create that all-important foot-stomping, head-banging atmosphere we all love so much. Cathedral even pulls back to jangle out a few acoustic guitar passages. Every song is distinct and complete.
Overall, The VIIth Coming is a much more up-beat and driving release than I expected. However, this is actually a great surprise. Fortunately Cathedral has decided to maintain the serious attitude of Endtyme, while combining it with the trippy grooves of most of their mid to late 90s releases, rather than falling back on the strange attitude of that eras offerings. The VIIth Coming is simply fun and addictive.
www.cathedralcoven.com
8.5/10
