There is an innate danger that when band members have side projects that the influence of said project comes to bear on the day job. “Heaven’s Venom” is the Northern Hyperblaster’s tenth full length and I am pleased to say Kataklysm has not. As with all latter day Kataklysm albums it begins with a spoken sinister sample before the riff is unleashed as “A Soulless God” gets things under way. The riff is as catchy as you’d expect though the song is a little more progressive than previous Kataklysm openers. It is very apparent the band has been careful to avoid the trappings of side project influences as the gnarly riff that starts “Determined (Vows Of Vengeance)” has that trademark bulldozing backdrop beat that epitomises why this band has risen so fast through death metals ranks in the last ten years.
I couldn’t help thinking of Slayer’s “Reign In Blood” during “Faith Made Of Shrapnel” which starts typically double bassed fast but does drift into the slower side the band has always embraced but don’t be worried as the song is a full on battering death metal affair overall. “Push The Venom” is well, just Kataklysm personified, so strike the pose and head bang the living shit out of yourself. The way that Maurizio barks every lyric out on this album makes me think there is something personal going on throughout the songs making for a more emotive song like “Hail The Renegade” or the closer “Blind Saviour”. Indeed the lead work is powerfully crafted and gives every song that little bit extra to propel the songs from good songs to brilliant ones.
“As The Wall Collapses” has an Amon Amarth like structure which makes the song fatter and denser as the album becomes what most of us favour about modern day Kataklysm - crushing beastly riffs that are as catchy as you’d ever expect, with “Numb And Intoxicated” being the first of many in the latter half of the album. “At The Edge Of The World” is a pit pleaser that shows little progression except for proving that this band pens riffs others only have wet dreams about. What else can I say about Kataklysm that you don’t already know about? I’m sure that this will receive mixed reviews from those detractors looking to take a swipe at this successful death metal band. Let them talk their bullshit, as take it from me a song like “Heaven’s Venom” is a masterclass in gripping death metal. Those that found “Prevail” a little tough in places will be foaming at the mouth with this release as it will certainly be in my top ten of 2010.
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