Swiss masters of the mosh Cataract may confuse diehard, perennial fans of the group with their latest offering. The group’s first EP was simply titled Cataract. Fast forward nine years later and they have again released Cataract. Although these two albums share the same title, confusing the two is highly improbably. The first self-titled album was only an EP released by an obscure label from an obscure band. The second Cataract is a full-length recording, which comes under the banner of Metal Blade.

Since the 1999 self-titled EP, Cataract has shaped and molded their brand of hardcore and thrash, constructing the well-oiled metallic beast they present here in 2008. The chugging riffs, quick double bass blasts, and gnashed-teeth vocals bring to mind a blend of mid-nineties metal such as Pantera and Machine Head with a gracious helping of Slayer and The Haunted. Cataract’s speed hangs around a mid-pace setting, often inserting a few brutal breakdowns. Most of the riffing consists of the chugga-chugga variety.

Drummer Patrick Dϋrst keeps his feet continually drilling his kick drum between each guitar chug. Constantly hammering pedals during speedy attack and short bursts during chorus breaks fatten Cataract’s bottom end on “Snake Skin.” The first portion of the album relies on heavy tones, grinding grooves and alternating drum and guitar work. Starting with “Burned at the Stake,” Cataract begins to show more experimentation. The said track shows the group focusing more intensely on dynamics. This song takes off quickly, and then hands out one breakdown beat down after another. On “Tonight We Dine in Hell,” screams, chugging guitars, various effects, and intermingling melodies create a scenario of the devil using tormented cries as dining music.

During the first portion of the album, the guitars and drums collaborate quite well, saving the music from mediocrity. The group’s heaviness is undeniable, but would become drab without the guitar-drum interplay. The second part of the album opens up the music more, the riffs get catchier and the group begins to show more experimentation.

Cataract doesn’t offer much for those seeking technical metal, but it they are adept at what they are trying to get across, heaviness. Those looking for angry, mosh-creating metal should pursue Cataract.

www.cataract-collective.com