Search - KATAGORY V :: THE RISING ANGER

Review by Jim Hall - Friday the 13th Magazine, U.K

Prog 2112 | Salt Lake City, Utah | 10/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Progressive/Power Metal band known as Katagory V (as in the Roman numeral, not the letter as I first thought. 5 members, makes sense, right?) have been established since 1999, during which they've worked hard in writing, releasing and promoting (with mixed success) two full length albums, "Present Day" (2002) and the follow-up "A New Breed Of Rebellion" which was completed in 2003 but due to continuously frustrating delays and promotional issues, would not be released until 2004.



Six years of toil, hard work and ranging experiences of success since the band began sees them release a true metal masterpiece, in this reviewer's opinion. It's as though everything has been built up to this creation. Riff's fly at you from all angles, backed by thrashing drum work and meaty bass. The vocal work of one Lynn Allers soars above the crushing instrumentation across the album's 10 tracks, taking you through a rollercoaster journey of ranging emotions. He is able to consistently create moods of power, pride and hope within the listener as he gracefully belts out anthemic lyrical passages. (The final track, `Risk And Sacrifice' could send a live crowd into raptures. Sing-a-long perfection!) Clocking in at an easy-to-digest 52 minutes, the album is filled with ranging musical styles of a streamlined, accessible design.



The music is heavy at times, always drifting in the heavy metal zone, yet it is dashed with progressive leanings, the 8 minute `The Elitist' being a prime example. This song contains many constantly shifting passages, a `mini-epic' of sorts it could be best described as. Rising tension is enhanced by wonderful choir-like vocal sections as the song twists and turns, eventually re-visiting the dark opening riff it opened up with. No shred-tastic moments here, just genuinely interesting and eye-opening material and song structures.



Quick mention of the production of this album, which is excellent and manages to blend together all instruments successfully, helping to create a superb, consistent metal album, one of which I am more than sure will be in my top 5 when the time for album of the year approaches. Highly, highly recommended.



Standout songs: `Risk And Sacrifice'. `The Elitist'. `Will You Remember?'

"

KATAGORY V , another solid release from NIGHTMARE RECORDS

J. C Cheek | El Paso, Texas United States | 07/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"NIGHTMARE RECORDS has done it again, Lance has struck gold with this Progressive metal band from Utah. This is one of my favorite CDs of the year, and will be on my 2006 top Ten list. This band is tight, and has all the elements together to make them a hit, they are progressive while also having power metal attributes as well. The soaring vocals, the rippings guitar riffs, the majestic keyboards, and the pounding bass and drums that bring the whole thing together. These five guys from Utah, have a fabulous future ahead of them, if you people don't have this CD yet, then shame on you, this is a must buy for all progressive metal and power metal fans. So do yourself the biggest favor you have done this year, Treat yourself to a trip to the land of adventure and buy this CD ASAP, i promise you won't be disappointed."

I LOVE this cd!!!!!

Kristen Huddleston | Corpus Christi, Texas | 06/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is amazing. From Lynn's powerful vocals to amazing musicianship of Curtis, Marc, Dustin and Matt. This in my opinion is their best work to date!! Every track on this cd is amazing ' Liberated Minds and The Elistist blew me away. If you're a true Prog fan - this is a MUST have in your collection!!!!!"