One year after releasing the critically acclaimed Temple Of Knowledge on Nuclear Blast, Kataklysm parted ways not only with their label, but also with long-time vocalist Sylvain Houde and session drummer Nick Miller. With their departure, not only did the band’s label change, signing with Canada’s Hypnotic Records in 1998, but the band’s sound and image changed completely as well, as is very visible in the band’s last full-length effort, Victims Of This Fallen World. Gone were the grizzly bear vocals, atmosphere and chaos, that were a staple in the band’s music, replaced with a more hardcore-oriented and less technical music, accentuated by bassist Maurizio Iacono stepping out of Sylvain’s shadow and taking over as lead vocalist, changing the vocal style completely. Since that time the band has changed once again, re-signing with Nuclear Blast, and reverting their style back to a more death metal sounding group, however, they are most certainly not the same band who left the label a mere three years prior. Those people looking for the mystical, mysterious, dark and technical band of old will be highly disappointed with what they find. The Prophecy is neither a continuance of their last release, nor a return to the old material, yet more or less a new beginning somewhere in between. The angry deathcore snarls and growls mixed with the guttural screams and screeches of Maurizio haven’t changed, however the rhythms, riffs and drumming patterns are closer to the band’s earlier work, yet with hardcore influences still highly visible in places. Everything from the song writing, guitar playing, vocals and riffing are a mix between the Kataklysm of old and new, which almost makes you think this material was written after Temple Of Knowledge leading into the drastic change of Victims Of This Fallen World. This is one of those albums you will either love or hate, however, chances are after listening to all nine tracks you still won’t be decided as to what your opinion is. Fans of old Kataklysm will probably hate a lot of the material on this release, yet still find a few tracks to their liking, whereas new fans who’ve never heard the older stuff will be far more open to the band’s drastic change. Love them or hate them, they’re back and this time wearing Adidas.

Written By: Teufel