Prototype - Catalyst

‘Gravity Well’ is one big bombastic piece of music, the art of delivering such a build-up is special, not many bands can do this, in fact it often reminds me of Pathosray’s first release and when Vince Levalois’ vocals begin, you are in either Mr Hetfield or Warrel Dane scenarios of storytelling deliverance. I love this bands ability to defy the standard formula expected of metal bands, there is a time when you think it is over, one particular song cannot go much further, however, how wrong you will be and how wrong I was.  Within this genre, do not expect a shirt release, you happily endure over one hour of meaningful epic progressive metal delivered by a band that really has the ability to knock the leaders in the field off their respected pedestal. No song on this album falls below expectations, there is something happening constantly, whilst this is a genre I sometimes shrug my shoulders at, I can honestly say that the warmth I get from this album if enough to marginally change my mind. If you cannot feel any emotion at all, no soul searching, no moment of reflection when you get that sweet nail on the head distorted guitar stringed note, then this will not be your forte. But if you like albums and you like clever arrangements and ideas then ‘Catalyst’ is a very fine wine to be enjoyed in copious amounts.