CD Review: Catalepsy - Bleed

Written by Colin McNamara Monday, 16 May 2011 14:53

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Artist: Catalepsy
Title: Bleed
Genre: Deathcore
Release Date: 20th May, 2011
Label: BASTARDIZED RECORDINGS / Eulogy Recordings

Album Review

CATALEPSY return with their sophomore album, and fans should expect a better output than their debut. While the music here is still Grindcore-galore with heavy chugs and growls, much like the debut, ‘Bleed’ adds a bit more experimental touch by adding some industrial elements, drawing on influences like FEAR FACTORY and MESHUGGAH for a focus on atmosphere that will surely silence the naysayers who might have felt the band’s debut was far too generic. Tracks like ‘Monolith’ and ‘Bleed’ charge away with a repetitive rhythm through the guitars (which have an audible buzz to them that resembles MESHUGGAH) and a mix of heavy roars and higher pitched snarls but in the background keyboards, samples, and other interesting noises between the segmented chugs add a whole new layer for the deathcore. The music may not be the most technical- everything seems so simple with the numerous pauses between chords and drum beats- but it is still interesting.

The last two tracks of the album also show the band evolution. As ‘Bleed’ progresses, fans may notice the tracks getting faster and heavier, with more of a seamless flow between riffs rather than just “stop n’ go” chugs constantly. ‘Medusa’ takes a modern/ thrash metal touch to the tone of the guitars while injecting a few paused chugs here and there, but overall the ‘heaviness’ factor is amped up a lot more; fans will certainly feel it. The intensified ferocity of the music suits the vocals even more, similar to how the music sounded on the debut, so fans of that should be happy. ‘Vexation’ takes on a melodic death metal style because suddenly the chugs are replaced by more melodic riffs, and even the industrial parts seamlessly warble together for a very cool spacey, sci-fi effect. This will probably become the highlight track of the album. Overall, CATALEPSY should be proud of themselves for rising above the generic trends. Sometimes bands will limit themselves within the genre to please everyone, but not this group. In breaking boundaries on ‘Bleed’, CATALEPSY have opened the door to welcome industrial metal fans as well- even if their work isn’t that techno-ish. The only downside is how brief the album is, but it’s standard for a deathcore album. At least it is unique deathcore.


Tracklist

01. Faithless (4:25)
02. Monolith (3:17)
03. Goliath (Feat. Matt Bruso) (3:38)
04. Cthnonian (4:31)
05. Bleed (3:43)
06. Infernal (4:37)
07. Statistic (2:47)
08. Consumed (3:12)
09. Medusa (4:13)
10. Vexation (4:19)


Line-up

Rick Norman – Vocals
Rob Walden – Guitar
Matt Sutton – Guitar
Sean Murphy – Bass
Ben Sutton – Drums


Website

http://www.myspace.com/catalepsy


Cover Picture




Rating

Sound: 8
Music: 8
Total: 8 / 10