Heaven' Venom

Nuclear Blast

I admit that when Canadian death thrashers Kataklysm first debuted on the scene in 1993 I was one of those who received them as more brutal than can possibly be tolerated. However, as time progressed my own musical growth and maturity continued to take shape as it has done with countless other artists over the years and I was in fact eventually won over so to speak. By the time the band had released 2002’s Shadows and Dust I was a diehard fan through and through. Since then each and every subsequent release has been a natural progression in the bands evolution and as we near the end of 2010 the guys have returned once again with their most prolific work to date.

Heaven’s Venom may not be nearly as bombastic as some of Kataklysm’s past material but it definitely has its moments and stands true as some of the heaviest music in existence today. Reaching for a style more comparable to their last couple of albums, there is definitely an influx of  Slayer like thrash combined with the death metal roots and power grooves the band have come to be known for. Lyrically they delve into much of the same political and anti-religious sentiment that they have addressed in the past. Nevertheless they do give way to the more personal introspective thoughts through the individual members eyes as well, which in turn delivers a very potent mixture of pure emotion and deepened philosophical thought.

Both fans of Kataklysm’s early work as well as their more recent contributions will find Heaven’s Venom has something to offer everyone. Powerful cuts such as the straightforward "Numb & Intoxicated", the melodically charged "As the Walls Collapse", “Determined (Vows Of Vengeance)”, and the ultra thrash laden album opener “A Soulless God” serve as pinnacles of interest here. Regardless of what critics may or may not agree or disagree on when it comes to this band, they have held their ground for nearly 20 years and show no signs of slowing down. Heaven’s Venom is as fine an offering as can be expected and right on target with today’s modern metal prowess.

-Priest