Kataklysm have always been a special band. Since their birth in the early nineties they have been entertaining death metal fans with an abominable amount of heaviness, melody and epic stories. Their new child “Prevail” is already here. Considering this is a band that has never betrayed its style nor its fans, waiting for a new record is as stirring as scary. Recently we have been witnesses to how many metal bands fail to deliver sincerity and mastership to their fans. Well, Kataklysm have once again succeeded in being a top band. Everything we know about this Canadian phenomenon is present and waiting to be enjoyed and heart-felt. Killing riffs followed by astonishing lead guitar melodies and atmospheric solos along with classical touches that have always given a feeling of epic pictures drawn in ancient times. Maybe the only flaw of this record are the drums, being a little, really a little softer than what they have been so far. It does not mean in any way that the music is inert or boring. It is just a little straighter and the trademark hyperblasts are less present through the songs. In my opinion this is a special way for the musicians to focus even more on melodies and story, but it sure will be a problem to deal with for die-hard fans. “Prevail” has totally mesmerized me with its spontaneous character. It is what death metal should sound like - heavy, ugly at times, but always honest and thoughtful.