THY CATAFALQUE
THY CATAFALQUE "Alfold"
By Dr. Abner Mality
It goes without saying that Tamas Katai, the man who is THY CATAFALQUE, is one restless and creative mind. The project's sound is an always shifting mixture of genres that resembles a kind of musical gumbo, full of different spices and ingredients. And THY CATAFALQUE gathers no moss...they put out full lengths almost every year.
What is surprising about "Alfold" is that it is the most straightforward and metallic album Katai has done in a long time. It's the heaviest since the classic "Renegeteg" more than a decade ago. As Katai himself explains, he wanted to do a simple album based on riffs, with no progression or innovation. In other words, it's almost like taking a vacation. Assisted by a boatload of special guests, he lives up to that description...for the most part.
First track "Acsend Hegyei" shows he wasn't kidding about the heaviness. This is straight death metal, complete with extremely guttural vocals. It's an eye-opener for sure. "Testen Tui" has the basic, thumping black metal sound of a band like KHOLD while "A folddel egyerio" kicks off with a roar and actual honest to God BLAST BEATS before settling down but still keeping heavy riffs.
However, I don't think Katai could stick to just one kind of music if he went to hell for it and sure enough, things starts to get diverse starting with the lengthy title track, which starts with a ton of crunch but also features clear female vocals and some beautiful flamenco-like acoustic guitar to end the song. "Folyundar" could pass for JETHRO TULL with its sprightly flute playing and violin. On the remainder of the album, electronics...always a favorite part of Katai's repertoire...takes a more prominent role and the guitar, while still strong, is not quite as pronounced.
Fans of THY CATAFALQUE expecting wild experimentation and eclecticism may actually be disappointed by "Alfold", but those looking for something punchier and heavier from Katai should really love this. I wouldn't be surprised if his next album is completely acoustic or electronic.