Rating: 9/10
Release: 12 May 2018
Label: Independent / Bandcamp

After a rather dismissible intro (wind, ocean, birds, acoustic guitars, random epicness, yawn, yawn) this EP truly starts with ‘The Gathering’. That makes quite an impact right away. It starts with pounding, echoing drums, guitars joining in with melodies that are easy to listen to and still are a bit sinister. Then deep growls, mid tempo with all the instruments creating an atmosphere of anticipation. Chorus, wait for it, wait for it. There it is: maximum speed, double bass drum, layers of vocals. And what’s that? A piano? Sounds like it, but must be a keyboard. The song continues, stereo tricks, twists and turns. This is very interesting music, indeed. Halfway some time to catch our breath. And build up to yet another speedy climax. Doesn’t happen every day that this quality of song writing comes across our desks. Is Kaatarakt on its way to become my new favourite band?
Onwards with Màttr Ok Megin. Again, drums starting the song, then piano (keyboard), guitars joining in, higher growls, high speed, but not all the time. Right on the money once again. Length again between 4 and 5 minutes. As the song progresses, the influence of folk pagan heroes Ensiferum shines through more and more. Stone cold metal comes to mind. Not a comparison to be ashamed of.
The title of third song ‘Little Trolls Tale’ makes you live between fear and hope. Will it be a simple drinking song or a bit more than that? Well, it’s quite a bit more than that. Nicely varied drum patterns, rather deep growling, even more variation speed wise than the previous songs. Flutes (keyboards?) to add some more folkiness. Once again a song that will do brilliantly during concerts.
Last song ‘Sunless Dawn’ is the most complex song and yet has the least impact. Yes, you can hear there has gone plenty of thought in the writing of the song. All the members master their instruments. There is aggression alongside the melodies. It’s just that all the elements don’t add up to something great. Why not? Maybe it’s too well thought through. And thus lacks a bit of feeling. Like an Audi, it’s almost too good to be enjoyable.
Too good to be trve? No, to be called that, it would require a more outspoken sound of its own. Mind you, Kaatarakt are extremely good at what they are doing. By no means original, but very, very well executed. If you thought only Eluveitie and Krokus were Swiss bands worth listening to, think again. In fact, if Kaatarakt and Morgarten would support Eluveitie, we would enjoy a Swiss evening of metal of outstanding quality. Would make me happy, that’s for sure.

Tracklist

1. Echoes of the Past 02:40
2. The Gathering 04:53
3. Màttr Ok Megin 04:40
4. Little’s Troll Tale 04:26
5. Sunless Dawn 05:55