| CD REVIEW Cauldron |
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Band : Cauldron If you’ll believe the recent media outburst about this Toronto, Ontario based Canadian trio consisting of singer/ bassist Jason Decay, guitarist Ian “Chains” Kilpatrick, and drummer Chris “Steve” Stephenson is to be the next big thing in the world of Heavy Metal! Music journalists have been writing stuff like “…like the very best NWoBHM songs ever…” (Martin Popoff, BW & BK), “…the clout of early Maiden with the snarl of early Metallica to neck-snapping perfection…” (Alastair Ridell, Kerrang!), “…These guys sound like the best NWoBHM band you can think of with added muscle. The songs are packed with Priestly riffs and Maiden’s pace with a metallic weight…” (Metal Hammer), “…Cauldron embodies everything that was great about the early ‘80s and aff in the best bits of Megadeth…” (again Kerrang!). First a bit of history! Before forming Cauldron, Jason was part of Goat Horn (a band formed in Penbroke which released a total of 3 albums after re-locating to Toronto), the band breaking up in 2006 when that band’s guitarist perfered to form Zuku with Kill Chearleader drummer Kriss Rites. Jason then hooked up with Ian and drummer Al Chambers (whom left in 2008 to join Toxic Holocaust, was briefly replaced by original Goat Horn skinsman Steelrider, whom was then supplanted by the aforementioned Kriss Rites. Rites departing in 2009, was replaced by current drummer Chris Spehenson, of the band Aggressor). Using demos he had put together for a new Goat Horn album, Jason re-wrote the material for the early 2007 released 4-song EP Into the Cauldron. One of the songs on that EP, “Restless”, was used in a DC Shoes video of skateboarder Danny Way. Somehow or other, the band eventually attracted the attention of UK label Earache, whom signed the band for the release of their debut full-length (9 tracks for a toal length of almost 44 minutes). The label itself wrote the following “biography” of the band : “Fresh from their appearabce on the landmark Heavy Metal Killers compilation, Canadian Traditional Heavy Metal warriors Cauldron explode in a riff heavy frenzy with their debut full-length Chained To The Nite. Armed to the teeth with solos and sing-along choruses, Cauldron reference all the sounds of ‘80s Classic Metal while adding a heaviness and attitude all of their own. Adding a crisp sound due to Neil Kernon’s (Queensrÿche, Dokken) mixing skills, Chained To The Nite recalls the spirit of NWoBHM with its gritty approach and its steadfast loyalty to good songs and catchy riffs. Coupling the organic spirit with a love of all the best of ‘80s Metal, songs like “Chained Up In Chains”, “Conjure The Mass” and “Young And Hungry” demonstrate how youthful enthousiasm and energy can breathe new life even into a scene as rich in heritage as Heavy Metal. With a young and dedicated worldwide scene evolving all the time, it seems that Couldron and their kin have a chance to fill the gap left unfilled for the past 30 years – the chance to raise the flag for real Heavy Metal again, and show a whole new generation what Traditional Heavy Metal is all about”. Big words, meant of course to get sales going because lazy music journalists will sometimes not look further for the words to use, than by such sales babble. So, let’s put truth against wishful thinking, shall we? It’s certainly true that Cauldron in the first place plays catchy tunes, supported by somewhat Thrash-ified riffs and additions of solos in every songs, the whole indeed remeniscent of NWoBHM (a thing somewhat unavoidable when one plays a Traditional Heavy Metal…even with an added Trash influence…but hey!?). The thing is, the riffs are somewhat repetitive, and as far as the solos go…how on earth can a guitarist pull off playing both riffs ànd solos at the same time in live conditions, without faking things somehow (using a backstage rhythm guitarist, or simply a pre-recorded replay via computer or such apparel). About the Metallica and Megadeth references…that sure has nothing to do with Jason’s vocals, right?! Because his are not like either of those bands’ singers at all! Nay, Jason’s is a weird and slightly hoarse high pitch, which has a lot of charm all on its own, and is actually what màkes this band’s music unique, seen overall!! The tunes are sure catchy enough, and the repetition factor kinda invites to sing along to the traditional HM topics…but are the young Metal fans of today really gonna fall in the hoped for masses for the somewhat simple style of these Canucks (a term of endearment, I asure you)? Only time will tell! Check out how you like Cauldron yourself by visiting myspace.com/cauldronmetal, and check out the songs posted there! I’m sure you will agree that, away from the exaggerated promo babble, this trio stands for some great Heavy Metal fun, retro style…at least on album. To find out whether the band also fake things on stage (and how they do it, if so), try to catch ‘em on their European tour which will see the trio cruise through Germany, Austria, Switzerland Holland, Belgium (on May 9 and 16, both times at Vosselaar’s Biebob), the Czech Republic, Poland, the UK, and Sweden! 80/100 Tony. |