Febris Erotica

I don’t think I would have really come across this little EP had I not got any specific recommendations from some of my friends in and around Russia. More importantly considering that Catharsis is one of those bands that may not be too popular outside of Russia, strengthens my reason for not bumping into this band a lot earlier.Its a shame not because it’s the best band to come out of continental Europe, but because the level of maturity and musicianship displayed by this band is beyond words and is certainly at par with the best progressive/power metallers in the business.

As per Ultraboris (whom I have a high deal of respect for), this is Russia’s answer to the "Painkiller". I am not really sure about such a comparison, as this contains more progressive overtones alongside some awesome neck breaking Neoclassical guitar shreds that Painkiller lacked on most of their songs. In fact the music in here sounds unlike anything I’ve heard before, not even Symphony X or Labyrinth. The vocalist does a commendable job showing a great range in his designated department and the instruments simply work great guns. The keyboards too don’t sound cheesy or dominating at the same time.

As far as the tracks go, all are absolute must listens and there ain't a single filler present. My personal favorite would be “Towards the Acme” with that incredible intro keyboard solo and the lead guitar that flows throughout the song. “Taedium Vitae” comprises of two parts both of which contain some exceptionally guitar leads with the keyboards giving a more than worthy backup.

This is perhaps a reply to all those people out there who are against the very idea of keyboard usage in heavy metal and also those who perhaps feel that they overpower other instruments. This one is a lot different from other bands. Get a hold of this EP and figure out for yourself. Fans of Vitalij Kuprij would enjoy this one without a shadow of a doubt. I ain’t giving this mini release a 90 plus for nothing.

This EP is just fucking incredible. This is the Russian answer to Painkiller. Really. The vocalist on this album sounds as much like Rob Halford as anyone I've ever heard. More so than Tim Owens - far more so than that Scheepers dude. And the guitar work is really fucking heavy, and fast, and yes, you expect them to burst out with FASTERTHANABULLET!!! at any point.

Though, it's not entirely Painkiller-like. There are some far more progressive moments, where the guitars go on for like 6 minutes (as opposed to merely 3 minutes) and there is far more intensive use of keyboards. So this isn't as much a speed metal album as a really fucking heavy power metal album that happens to be fast most of the time.

We start with "Silentium", which is an introduction bit that leads us straight into the title track. This is total fucking speed metal mayhem, with some of the greatest guitar work ever seen. "Towards the Acme" is a bit more sedated, and more power-metalish. This wouldn't look out of place on a Stratovarius album, if Stratovarius grew a big set of testicles and put the guitars frontward in the mix, and their vocalist didn't sound like a wimp. And didn't altogether suck. Yeah.

Then, Taedium Vitae (in two parts) closes off the album in shredding fashion - this is progressive power metal that manages to remain highly interesting and highly excellent. This is one of the finest albums ever to come out of Russia. Extremely recommended.