Review by: Matt Coe
www.powerpackerzine.com USA
Sophomore outing for this Utah power/progressive metal quintet whove done a load of recordings for years in previous acts and you can tell that experience pays dividends in this recording. Too bad that Metalages seems to have dropped the promotional ball, forcing the band to push this release on their own after the wonderful professional recording and packaging job this 9 song/ 51 minute album presents. Often times metal acts run into stagnate songwriting for their second album due to the quick turn over in terms of creating original ideas while a first record has a wealth of time and energy poured forth. Alas KATAGORY V break the rules on A New Breed Of Rebellion and allow me to elaborate
When do you hear an American act burst into a chugging RUNNING WILD like riff in the opening track as you hear with Sands Of Time? How about an eerie three minute plus acoustic guitar meets melodic melancholy that PINK FLOYD followers will lap up that juxtaposes into the final 4 minutes of a missing FATES WARNING No Exit track .known as the title song? How about every tune that has a distinct purpose and vision in mind, separate but equal in terms of craft and ingenuity? Seamlessly blending 3 decades of metal into one album may be a tall task for some, but KATAGORY V have no qualms about showcasing a love for European and American acts from all walks of the heavy world. All the musicians on this record have stellar playing abilities and walk well to illustrate that the king should be the final arrangement, not the self-absorbed nature of the individual player. Everyone gets the chance to flash their technique but you arent beaten over the head with millions of quick changing riff/tempo movements.
Vocally Lynn Allers has some killer pipes in his bag, as there are many moments where he could be the twin of Ray Alder and James Rivera from smoothness to high octane screams. Drummer Matt Suiter and bassist Dustin Mitchell shore up a progressive meets traditional rhythm section- and guitarists Curtis Morrell and Trevor Asire offer up twin solos, loads of harmonics and fist pumping riffage that will carry many a listen as Ive been doing over the past week since receiving this.
Dont let this hidden gem fall by the wayside. KATAGORY V should be a bigger name domestically and internationally- as this will hit my top five of the year for sure.
Rating: 6/6 Brilliant
Favorite Song: A New Breed Of Rebellion
