The very concept of “essential” death metal is an argument that has been around since the infant days of the genre itself. No two lists between any people would likely be the same given the grand number of bands that have come around over the years with metal that has long been revered for one reason or another, and I think we’re truly blessed to still have so many veteran acts around that manages to not just deliver new material but show us that they still have more than enough to do before they throw in the towel and pass on the torch of death metal itself. Kataklysm is easily one of those acts with their transition to a more melodic sound something that some may not have enjoyed witnessing, but the band’s power has yet to wane. Never before has that been more evident in the current century than with “Goliath”.

While I do not mind Kataklym’s more melodic approach nor do I feel as though the band went through any process during which they fell out of grace with death metal greatness, “Goliath” sees Kataklysm rising above any pitfalls or hiccups that may have come around in their last few albums to deliver a performance that feels incredibly strong, immovable to the core, and murderous to a definite tee. Straightforward and not wasting so much as a moment across its ten massive tracks, “Goliath” more than lives up to its name. It very much feels as though you’re constantly in the shadow of a looming beast that heretofore has been known as all-powerful and virtually indestructible, but it is with their immense strength and compelling might that Kataklysm topples such a monster while never once failing to make one hell of a spectacle out of it. Laden with melodies that are able to give way to supreme dirges of voracious death metal before doubling back to form a tremendous bulwark to ensure another speedy, bloody offensive upon the enemy, Kataklysm comes out in spectacle form at every turn in each song that “Goliath” dares to hurl right at our throats. The record serves as a reminder as much as it is a statement for Kataklysm in the modern sense: as potent as you remember and more than ready to bloody its hands if it means doing the job right even if it means decimation for all in its path.

I will not weigh in on how “essential” Kataklysm has been in the history of death metal up to now, but their influence and presence has been undeniable. They have endured much and put forth an intimidating discography to match with “Goliath” very much feeling like Kataklysm has found its stride yet again. Even if you don’t find yourself a fan of the newer material from this veteran act, the power and voraciousness of “Goliath” cannot be denied. There is still much to unveil when it comes to mighty death metal in 2023, but I have no doubt that Kataklysm has earned a spot for one of the more compelling performances in that category when it’s all said and done.

LISTEN to “Goliath” via multiple sources here.

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