The Swiss band Cataract has been around for a decade now, and in that time they've shown they are much more than the typical generic metalcore band. Although they embrace the basics of the genre, they add some elements that make them stand out.
Cataract is the band's fifth CD, and combines the groove of thrash with the breakdowns and pummeling drums of metalcore. The strength of Cataract is the dual guitars of Gregor Mader and Tom Kuzmic. They propel things with thick thrash riffs and creative fills and solos.
This is also a diverse CD. There are fast and intense songs, more moderate and crushing tracks, and even an instrumental. My biggest complaint with Cataract's last CD was the generic vocals, but Federico Carminitana varies his delivery a little more this time, plus there are some death metal vocals that add some variety. Cataract is a very strong metalcore CD.
(released April 1, 2008 on Metal Blade Records)
