Sometimes it takes a while to get it right. Montreal's Kataklysm has been prowling around the death metal underground for more than ten years and with their latest effort "Shadows and Dust", all the pieces seem to have fallen in place. Starting their career as an insanely technical grindcore band, the group has slowly added to their musical and songwriting skills with each album, arriving at last to the current record.

"Shadows and Dust" is characterized by meticulous songwriting, judicious use of both brutality and melody and a sense of structure. None of the tracks is outright blasting speed but there's a part in just about every tune where they really cut loose. I have to tip the chapeau to drummer Max Duhamel, who attacks the skins like a rabid beast. He's the guy who really propels the band's sound. There are also some slower, even stately sections of riffing and elegant twin guitar leads. The best comparison I came up with is a cross of latter-day Bolt Thrower with the melodic speed of Dissection. That gives you a good idea of where Kataklysm is coming from.

One slight drawback is the vocals of Maurizio Iacono. He alternates between a hoarse deep bellowing and a raspy croak highly reminiscent of the Muppet stalwart the Great Gonzo. He isn't bad; it's just that I feel the vocals don't match up to the rest of the product. This is well worth checking out for fans of classy but brutal death metal. "Shadows and Dust" is a keeper and proof that good things come to those who take the more difficult long road instead of the quick dash to fame.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2003 Year Book Volume 2 at https://garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2003-and-2004/.