By: Thomas Gonzales
Album Type: Full
Length
Date Released: 24/01/2020
Label: Season
of Mist
“Naiv” CD//DD//LP track listing:
1. A bolyongás ideje (4:55)
2. Tsitsushka (5:39)
3. Embersólyom (4:17)
4. Számtalan színek (2:34)
5. A valóság kazamatái (5:30)
6. Kék madár (Négy kép) (6:27)
7. Napút (3:48)
8. Vető (8:17)
9. Szélvész (5:36)
The Review:
Self-labeled
Avante Garde solo artist Tamas Katai brings yet another evolution to the
ever-changing stylings of his opus Thy Catafalque. While not a “band” in the traditional
sense, Thy Catafalque’s latest release “Naiv”,
is an ensemble of musicians showcasing no less than 10 guest artists. Tamas
once again shifts the dynamic of underground metal, covering a wide array of
genres, including Black Metal, Folk, Electronic, and even Pop. Under his band’s
moniker, Tamas has woven a diverse tapestry of sound, into a colorful
exploration of sonic ingenuity, communicating why Thy Catafalque is such a prolific force in the metal consciousness.
Opening
strong with the track “A bolyongás ideje”, Thy Catafalque’s roots in Black Metal are
put on full display in a hauntingly dark jam, befitting of an extreme metal
veteran. However, it isn’t long before the listener is swept up in Hungarian
Folk instruments and jazz inspired hooks, shifting seamlessly through various
genres, before peaking with electronic sections and Pop sensibilities; then
once again giving way to his brand of Blackened Folk Metal.
Track
8 “Veto” is a whopping 8 minutes long, and begins with a conventional
metal hook, but eventually transitions to a chilled-out post rock bop, complete
with twinkling synth effects, and droning keyboard tones. It is as frenetic as
it sounds, but it is pieces like this that showcase the variety and cultural
influences of Tamas’ compositions. Folk drums and flutes weave amongst
Hungarian choral singers before ultimately culminating in an intense melodic
burst of metal. There’s a little something for everyone, and if you wanted to
cover the spectrum of sounds present here-in, this is the track to share.
Getting
their start in the late 90s, Thy
Catafalque’s current
sound is far beyond simple experimentation, “Naiv” is a fascinating study of
traditional songwriting paired with Black Metal, that is dynamic and diverse
enough to stand out in the field of their Progressive and Avante Garde peers,
but it still be enjoyed by their long-time fans seeking something a heavier.
Thy
Catafalque do not pretend to create “easy”
listening music, but instead stay true to the artistic vision with which they approach
each project. This is not an album that someone can pick or choose a single
from and find satisfaction, but it is instead meant to be heard as a cohesive
concept. While it may take some listeners multiple attempts, those who are
vigilant will be rewarded with a unique and fulfilling experience that
transcends the scope of conventional songwriting.
“Naiv”
is available HERE
