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Cataract � With Triumph Comes Loss
The Hobo review

Cataract may be the first Switz band to actually succeed in acting and playing quality hardcore metal. But that isn�t to say that Cataract is a purist hardcore band. Quite the opposite infact, as the band fuses a range of thrash elements (ala Slayer) with the mid-paced, pummeling metalcore of Hatebreed. 

With Triumph Comes Loss is Cataract�s Metal Blade debut, boasting flawless production that lets you feel every crushing breakdown and double bass metal groove. The heavy, controlled yet dominant guitar sound creates a thick fall of sonic power as the bass moves unrestricted beneath.

In past releases Cataract have dabbled in their share of melodic metalcore, however they have intelligently chosen to strip themselves of this element, and instead focus on heavier, shorter, faster and more battering assaults on society. Lyrically, the main songwriter and guitarist Federico Caminitana dwells on the common hardcore themes of empowerment, war, the state of the world, betrayal, freedom and perseverance, however he sets himself apart with much more intelligible, creative lyrics than some of his predecessors.

Observe a passage from the track "Godevil":  No gods � no masters. When our mind is free from religious imagination and beliefs this world is going to be a better place. Freedom died when humanity started reading the holy book and started creating symbols to justify their insecurity about things they cant explain. We have to overcome this urge and accept we cannot know everything. They should fear the revenge and not hope for forgiveness. 
 
Or even the lyrics of the final and title track (which opens with a slow, Bolt Thrower-esque riff): Most western civilizations often take their social and economical structures as the basic platform for a healthy society. Without considering the cultural and social evolution, they try to stamp their own meaning of life onto other civilizations with the only �right� solution for all their problems. We have to fight this triumph of loss.

Surprisingly, Cataract manage to escape the monotony of most Metalcore bands (*cough* Hatebreed *cough*) with a variety of catchy thrash riffs, mid-paced chugging hardcore passages and breakdowns that would incite the quietest of mosh pits to tear down the venue with unparalleled intensity and violence (except for perhaps a Blood For Blood show). Just throw on the breakdown of "As We Speak" and you�ll know what I mean.

The new signing and new record promises to propel the relatively unknown Cataract into the mainstream metal spotlight. Unlike a lot of metalcore out there, the boys seem to actually believe in what they perform. That, coupled with the wondrous production budget of Metal Blade, and the tight musicianship of the group leads to a great release. While it may not be genre defining, it will certainly satisfy most hardcore fans, as well as give Hatebreed and Unearth a run for their money. 
 

Cataract � With Triumph Comes Loss
Label: Metal Blade
Genre: Hardcore (Metal)
For Fans Of: Mindsnare, Hatebreed, Hope and Suicide & Unearth
Best Tracks: Nothings Left, As We Speak, With Triumph Comes Loss

Rating: 
 

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Visit the band's official site to learn more