Here's a band that has never caught my attention, regardless they're coming from my hometown. Their music just never has made any significant impression to me... unfortunately their latest album "Winternight Tragedies" doesn't prove my original conception wrong. The material on this album is mostly sung in English, but there are two exceptions, which feature lyrics in Finnish. The music is tightly performed, and the vocals, for the most part, are growled... however, to provide some refreshing variety, there are also clean vocals brought into the mix (courtesy of Kari "Kakke" Vähäkuopus). So on the face of it, Catamenia's "Winternight Tragedies" seems ok.

Although the music of Catamenia is melodic death metal, there aren't too many melodies that I could recall after listening to this record... actually the songs tend to get rather repetitious after a while, and they don't even have any catchy hooks that would impress the listener. Sadly enough, this is one of those albums that falls into the obscure gorge of trivial records.

Production on this album is rather average, although the sounds are apt. However, the drums could be a bit more assertive and powerful (especially the toms sound hollow). In addition, some background distortion leaks into the mix occasionally. Overall, Catamenia's Winternight Tragedies is rather trifling release that may appeal to some listeners of melodic death. Nonetheless, there are a lot of bands I would recommend over Catamenia.

Visit Artist's Website


- MAGE (June 2nd, 2005)

« back

LINE-UP:
Mustonen, O.J. 'Topi': Vocals Hopeakoski, Riku 'K-oz': Lead Guitar Nissilä, Ari 'WarTechs': Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals Jumisko, Veikko 'Moottorisaha': Drums Nevala, Tero 'Kanttori Hippi': Keyboards Hepo-oja, Mikko 'D-Stroy': Bass with Vähäkuopus, Kari 'Kakke': Clean Male Vocals Sainio, Heidi: Female Vocals
Producer:	Vähäkuopus, Kari 'Kakke'; Ilmarinen, Immu & Catamenia
Mixing by:	Vähäkuopus, Kari 'Kakke' & Ilmarinen, Immu
Mastering by:	Vähäkuopus, Kari 'Kakke' & Ilmarinen, Immu

	TRACKLIST:
	01. The Heart of Darkness 02. Verikansa 03. Strength and Honor 04. The Crystal Stream 05. Kaamos Warrior 06. My Blood Stained Path 07. Perintö Pohjolan 08. Feed Over 09. The Ancient 10. Fuel for Hatred (Satyricon Cover) Length: 47:25