review by: Matt Smith

"Northern Hyperblast," eh? Can't say I don't like it. I'm not too familiar with Kataklysm's earlier stuff, but I've heard it was much less melodic than it is now, and a bit faster and more technical. However, I respect any band that keeps changing direction, searching for the perfect sound. And the melodic lines Kataklysm uses in Shadows and Dust aren't a bad direction to go.

I like their original mix of head-banging riffs and melodic sections. They use interesting harmonies and coordinate them with great accuracy. Kataklysm has a crisp sound, relying on the music's inherent goodness instead of distortion to mask its simplicity.

The only problem with Kataklysm that bothers me listening to Shadows and Dust is one of the vocal lines. There's this high-pitched, gargling voice that sounds like one of the characters from the Labyrinth or some such thing. It's just not very rich - two dimensional, if you will. But the remaining elements of Kataklysm's sound are very natural together, complimenting each other well. I definitely enjoyed Shadows and Dust. I'm just sorry I missed them when their tour came by.