If there is one word you can associate with Kataklysm then that will be ‘CONSISTENCY’. In ‘In the arms of devastation’ we have yet another quality release from the Canadian masters of hyperblast who have believed in sticking to a time tested formula. And needless to say that the formula is a winning one. The album sees the return of Max Duhamel- the band’s original drummer and together with Stephan Barbe (bass) he makes a rhythm section that can compete with the best in the genre. Jean Francois Dagenais’ riffing is as melodic as ever before, Maurizio Iacano very listenable vocals complete the instrumental side of things in a perfect fashion.

The album opens up with  ‘LIKE ANGELS WEEPING (THE DARK)’; a typical opening track with tremolo picked guitars and tight double bass drumming. The fast and furious pace of the track catches the listener’s attention almost instantly. ‘LET THEM BURN’ is much more melodic and flowing and reminds you of their previous album- ‘THE PROPHECY’. The combination of blast beats and cool vocal effects make this a solid track. ‘CRIPPLED AND BROKEN’ opens up slow and juicy and is one of the most headbangable track of the album. Progressive riffing and spiced up-tempo adds overall air and structure to the song. By this time the listener can really appreciate that we have a great album in the making here.

But then all good things come to an end and things slow down in the middle albeit very little. The next track ‘TO REIGN AGAIN’ is straightforward with catchy chorus. It reminds the listener of Inflames/Soilwork. However the melodic Swedish sound doesn’t suit the band much. ‘IT TURNS TO RUST’ has some excellent high-pitched vocal work but is clearly one of the weakest tracks of the album. The next track ‘OPEN SCARS’ has interesting riffs and grooves and is very close to the music of old school At The Gates. However what makes this track really stands out is the tonal guitar solo and single note riffing. ‘TEMPTATIONS NEST’ is a melodic number with hyperactive blast beats but doesn’t live up to the first three masterpieces. Luckily the band has hidden it two gems for the end. ‘IN WORDS OF DESPERATION’ is a true classic- fast melodic and brutal while ‘THE ROAD IS TO DEVASTATION’ is epic- slow and sinister and is a fitting end to this excellent album.

Two things stand out in this album. First is the high quality of production ‘“ everything is crisp and clear. The balance is awesome and each instrument receives its due share. Second is that each track tends to throw up different influences from which the band has drawn inspiration. Pantera, Inflames, Soilwork, Suffocation, Morbid angel and above all At the gates have all found representation. All in all an n album well worth the buy. To quote kataklysm themselves ‘REVENGE IS A MEAL BEST SERVED COLD’.