{"id":44295,"date":"2014-08-18T06:18:43","date_gmt":"2014-08-18T11:18:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/?p=44295"},"modified":"2014-08-18T13:07:37","modified_gmt":"2014-08-18T18:07:37","slug":"we-are-the-catalyst-monuments-cd-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/2014\/we-are-the-catalyst-monuments-cd-review\/","title":{"rendered":"We Are The Catalyst | Monuments<\/em>"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Joe Mis<\/span>
\n– Senior Columnist —<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Monuments\"Monuments<\/em> is an apt name for the new release by Swedish rockers We Are The Catalyst, as it borders on monumental. The hard working duo of Cat Fey and Kenny B (both formerly of the alternative metal act One Without) are poised to release their first full length effort, following up on last year’s well-received EP Panem Et Circenses<\/em>. Monuments<\/em> is a 13-track modern melodic release that blends elements of alternative metal and rock, electronica, death metal, and touches of gothic and symphonic metal into a cohesive and relatively unique sound.<\/p>\n

Driven by the powerhouse voice of Cat Fey, We Are The Catalyst produces music that will appeal to a wide audience. A desire to broaden their musical horizons led Kenny and Cat to dissolve One Without in 2012, and the more positive and upbeat tone help WATC cross a number of genre borders to mold diverse influences into a cohesive whole. Thematically focused on the idea of change, Monuments will appeal on many levels.<\/p>\n

\u201cFight For Air\u201d starts off the album on a high, showcasing the talents of both performers. This mid-tempo rocker rolls everything that WATC can do into a single effort \u2013 great vocals, strong lyrics, excellent musicianship and an overriding sense of melody. \u201cThe Void\u201d slows things down a bit, blending in more keys and allowing Cat and Kenny to bring some fine duet vocals – proving that they much more than another \u201cbeauty and the beast\u201d act. Cat’s voice truly shines on the opening bars of \u201cUnder The Surface,\u201d an Evanescence-styled progressive \/ alternative rocker that also features gritty backing vocals from Kenny that dance over ever changing tempos. \u201cEvery Minute Every Day\u201d is an emotion packed power ballad that encourages the listener to look for change and not give up, a refreshing tone boosted by excellent keys and synths, and a simple but effective guitar solo.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever Fall\u201d is another emotional track with true feeling carried not only by Cat’s expressive voice, but also by the fine thought provoking lyrics. This one seems like it would be a great finale song for a movie soundtrack, and the sing-along chorus is well suited for a live audience. \u201cNot Alone\u201d starts off echoing some of Lacuna Coil’s older material, delivering only voice and keys until the wall of sound arrives. This track also delivers one of the only negative moments on the album \u2013 the fade out is just a bit too long and repetitious, giving the track a bit of a draggy feel instead of a triumphant wrap-up. Punchy rhythms and crystal vocals bring a strong anti-hypocrisy message to the fore in \u201cOn Your Knees,\u201d a track inspired by current news events \u2013 an effective bit of social commentary. \u201c A Life A Lie\u201d is all about musical flow, blending pop and commercial touches with a solid bass groove.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur Way To The Sun\u201d is another vocal showcase for Cat and Kenny’s vocal teamwork. The mid-tempo, synth heavy track allows both singers to visit the extreme ends of their respective ranges. \u201cTime Will Show\u201d has a great pop \/ blues groove through the opening bars but becomes a gritty pop-rocker with hints of AOR mixed in, while \u201cWhat You Are\u201d brings in hints of punk and metalcore blended with electronica. \u201cChange\u201d is a moody and brooding piece of gothic \/ alternative metal that showcases vocals above all, but the guitar work is solid and the drums intricate. WATC closes out with \u201cThe Edge,\u201d an upbeat bass-driven rocker that looks to the future.<\/p>\n

Cat Fey and Kenny B prove themselves to be talented musicians and strong song writers. The diversity of tone and tempo seems like it should be difficult to pull off, but WATC manages to sound comfortable through it all. Emotion and feeling drive the songs, and despite the obvious complexity of the music the album somehow also coveys a sense of simplicity and a natural warmth. Cat’s impassioned vocal delivery, effortless power, pinpoint control, and wide range guarantee her place in the pantheon of truly great female rock vocalists. Monuments is a superb modern metal release, and highly recommended \u2013 look for it on October 1st, 2014.<\/p>\n

Genre: Metal, Rock, Alternative<\/p>\n

Band:
\nCatrin Feymark (vocals)
\nKenny Boufadene (vocals, guitars, bass, keys, drum programming)<\/p>\n

Track Listing:
\n1.\tFight For Air
\n2.\tThe Void
\n3.\tUnder The Surface
\n4.\tEvery Minute Every Day
\n5.\tNever Fall
\n6.\tNot Alone
\n7.\tOn Your Knees
\n8.\tA Life A Lie
\n9.\tOur Way To The Sun
\n10.\tTime Will Show
\n11.\tWhat You Are
\n12.\tChange
\n13.\tThe Edge<\/p>\n

Label: Ferocity Records<\/p>\n

Website: http:\/\/www.wearethecatalystofficial.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven rating: 9.5\/10<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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