Log in to your account
Stats
Biography
Originally comprised of vocalist Sylvain Houde, bassist Maurizio Iacono, guitarist Jean-Francois Dagenais, and drummer Areil Saied Martinez, the band has undergone a number of lineup changes of its history with Iacono and Dagenais remaining the only original members. Formed in 1991, Kataklysm’s early output was epitomised by the furiously-paced drum pattern dubbed “Northern Hyperblast”. The band’s debut arrived in February 2005 on Nuclear Blast Records and provided a clear sign of thing to come with themes of death, ghosts, god and devastation. The album was marked by the arrival of drummer Maz Duhamel, however due to injury, the record proved to be his last until 2000's "The Prophecy" with responsibilities going to Nick Miller in 1996.
Nick Miller’s debut with the band came the same year with the record “Temple of Knowledge”. However with the band’s impetus on intense drumming, following the album release Miller also departed from Kataklysm. A string of albums followed including “Victims of this Fallen World”, “The Prophecy (Stigmata of the Immaculate)”, and “Epic: The Poetry of War”, before the band released their most successful album to date “Shadows & Dust” in 2002. Garnering a wave of positive attention and their most significant sales figures to date, the record was marked by its melodic elements on top the death metal sensibilities.
Coupled with their popularity in the U.S. and Canada, Kataklysm have also enjoyed success in parts of mainland Europe including Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium. In 2004 the group issued their seventh studio album to date “Serenity in Fire”, which like its predecessors, was followed by an extensive worldwide tour to connect with international fans. Going from strength the strength, the record helped boost the band’s death metal profile and paved the way for the subsequent albums “In the Arms of Devastation”, “Prevail”, “Heaven’s Venom”, “Waiting For the End To Come”, and “Of Ghosts and Gods”.
Live reviews
I still don’t know how the members of Kataklysm manage to have enough energy to walk off stage at the end of their concerts. No matter where they perform they always give it their all; their head banging, finger-bleeding, face-melting all. Kataklysm’s consistently insane performances give you death metal as it should be: raw and full-on. This two decade old Canadian band refer to their style as “northern hyperblast,” and after a minute of listening to their sick drum lines you absolutely understand why. It’s no surprise that the majority of Kataklysm’s past members are all drummers given the intensity of the drum rhythms within their vast catalogue of music. Current drummer, Oli Beaudoin, is totally up to the challenge, though, and is amazing to see live. Maurizio Iacono never fails to impress on vocals, his sound really is mighty, and he consistently engages with whatever audience the band is in front of. Believe me, this guy knows how to bring the energy to boiling point. Don’t just take my work for it, though, go see Kataklysm live and experience their amazing insanity.
lauratunbridge
Kataklysm was in fine form as always at the Mod Club on Toronto.
These guys are true pros.
With a huge catalogue of metal gems played to perfection this band is always a joy and a bargain to see live.
Highlights of the night were meeting lead singer Mario before the show and then when he grabbed a guy from his wheelchair and brought him up on stage for the rest of the show. Very nice gesture.
Thanks for an awesome night Kataklysm!
\m/ 0 \m/
john-galbraith
Awesome shows as usual. The venue was small but open so you could enjoy the show except if you wete right in front of speakers or in the "pit". Kataklysm never disappoints. We even came from Canada to see them in Florida!!!
RenH
