The Finnish formation Katra raises the Gothic Metal stakes with their debut album "Beast Within": Classic rock instrumentation, tender harmonies, and heavy Metal arrangements set the tone for the varied compositions over w... more »hich Katra's strong vocals, capable of getting under your skin, reign. The eponym understands how to not only use her voice, but also her many charms to lure the listener under her spell. "Beast Within" reveals a broad spectrum of Gothic Metal with folk influences that ranges from catchy hits to sensual ballads accentuated by a very powerful production. Katra stands for longing, love, and passion set to music, offering a worthy journey to embark on.« less
The Finnish formation Katra raises the Gothic Metal stakes with their debut album "Beast Within": Classic rock instrumentation, tender harmonies, and heavy Metal arrangements set the tone for the varied compositions over which Katra's strong vocals, capable of getting under your skin, reign. The eponym understands how to not only use her voice, but also her many charms to lure the listener under her spell. "Beast Within" reveals a broad spectrum of Gothic Metal with folk influences that ranges from catchy hits to sensual ballads accentuated by a very powerful production. Katra stands for longing, love, and passion set to music, offering a worthy journey to embark on.
"Fans of After Forever and Nightwish will like this. Katra has an amazing voice, I find myself listening to the album, for her vocals. But the songwriting is good, too. I'm excited, I can't to wait to hear subsequent albums, a very good start for them."
Listen to this everyday
P. Erskine | Seattle, WA | 07/06/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am totally addicted to this album. Katra's voice is so beautiful and soft. And the songs stick in your head, most notably Beast Within and Swear. But I like all the songs on the album. They've created their own style, so I don't want to compare them to anyone. Great stuff, can't wait for the second album."
Rival of Tarja
Golovanov Alexey | Limassol, Cyprus | 09/13/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Now that's the equal (almost) rival to Tarja Turunen. The voice at least is rich and powerful. Cannot say so about the music - pity. The singer could easily front "Nightwish" (after Tarja quit) - better that the new barby-voice.
In any case, a decent and interesting CD"
Orchestral female-fronted rock
G. Richards | Overland Park, KS | 04/15/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Katra is a new band from Finland, playing the same kind of female-fronted symphonic rock as Within Temptation, Delain and Nightwish. The singer, also named Katra, is quite talented, with mainly a soprano range. The arrangements are a curious blend of hard rock and orchestral sections. The orchestrations are reminiscent of movie soundtracks in places, and of some twentieth century Russian symphonists (Shostakovich, Rachmaninoff) in others. The songs are for the most part above average, although not outstanding. While not quite as strong as some of the competition, this is not a bad release by any means."