Heavy metal and I have been struggling through a rocky love affair since I was thirteen years old. Aside from a few exceptions, metal in the 21st century has been rather disappointing. The most encouraging thing that I can say about Cataract is that their hearts are definitely in the right place.
Kingdom begins with an intro that sounds dangerously similar to that of "Raining Blood." In fact, most of the album appears to be a strained attempt at reaching Slayer-esque heights. But, like the majority of modern metal bands, Cataract fall flat when confronted by the daunting limitations of the genre itself. It is obvious that they are interested in creating something original. Unfortunately, heavy metal no longer provides enough options for any band to find their own unique sound. Think of the last metal band that could actually be described as "original." Face it, metal is a stale old pie that everyone has had their fingers in at some point. Cataract have taken on the gargantuan task of trying to carve out a niche where there is no room to carve. However, it would be unfair to fault them for their lack of success.
Kingdom is relentlessly propelled by a brutal yet technical intensity that should satisfy the majority of rabid metal fans. But the album ultimately collapses under the weight of its own intentions. In the end, Cataract have managed to create an adequate collection of songs that succeed only in leaving the listener with a grim perspective on the future of heavy metal.
