Artist: Katana Cartel
Title: The Sacred Oath
Genre: Heavy Metal
Release Date: 26th February 2021
Label: self-released
Review Flash
In the last years I realized that Australia’s Metal scene is not one to underestimate, KATANA CARTEL is one of the bands that fortify that impression. KATANA CARTEL was formed in 2012 in Melbourne, Australia and ‘The Sacred Oath’ is the band’s full-length debut and it is a banger! The songs are old-school and highly melodious, bands like SKULL FIST or ENFORCER come to mind even when KATANA CARTEL’s front beast Steven Falkingham does sound nothing like either ENFORCER’s Olof Wikstrand or SKULL FIST’s Zach Slaughter. Falkingham’s voice is used more restrained most of the times, no high screams or glass-shattering screeching but a solid performance in the middle and some rather high parts. Riff-wise Rob Georgievski and Dylan Reeves deserve a big shout out for helping making this a worthwhile experience. John Prices drumming is remarkable and precise but Matt Ientile’s bass is barely audible most of the times (if you don’t blast this on maximum you will have this problem). All in all, this is a very promising start and a heavy metal feast for the inclined headbanger.
Conclusion: These guys have the perfect influences to build their sound upon, looking forward to the next output!
Rating: 8 / 10
