Much like the latest Amon Amarth record “Deceiver Of The Gods”, Kataklysm seems to have broken free of their standard routine of song writing. As always the production is top notch thanks to guitarist Jean-Francois Dagenias and this time around he is aided by Zuess. It just showcases the best of this band. This record has a little something extra to it, it feels more fluid then the last few releases.

A lot of the credit I think goes to new drummer Olivier Beaudoin. He really challenged himself here on songs like ‘If I was God....I'd Burn It All’ and ‘The Darkest Days of Slumber’, really breathes a new slant on things and stretches the bands artistic limbs in the purpose. Stephane Barbe’s bass and Oli sound great together. There's some mighty fine grooving slabs of rhythm going on in ‘Under Lawless Skies’ and ‘The Promise’ with Maurizio Iacono projecting such power he just commands your attention on ‘Kill the Elite’. His annunciation is key to sound of the band, compliments the musicians in a way that's not overpowering. Just fits right in the middle of the chaos. With ‘Elevate’ it shows Jean-Francois masterful skills, the guitar screams a moody vibe that carries the album to a flawless close. That is, unless you have the special edition featuring their cover of Sacred Reich’s ‘The American Way’.

It's really refreshing when a band with a 20yr pedigree manages to still stay creative and energized within their style. This is the bands most exciting sounding album in a long time.