Review: Cataclysmic Warfare – Blood Presidium

Review – Cataclysmic Warfare – Blood Presidium

You’d think war metal would be one of the last things you’d ever hear or read about in a Christian music magazine, even a metal one. If you’re even remotely acquainted with war metal, you know that of all black metal’s may subgenera’s and styles, it’s the one that is probably the most horrifically blasphemous and intensely anti-Christian, even by black metal standards. A sound spawned by bands like Canada’s Blasphemy, Finland’s Beherit and Archgoat, Brazil’s Sarcofago and Australia’s Bestial Warlust, war metal was an early hybrid form of black metal that took everything extreme in the genre and went even further than any bands before had done, or would do after. Imagine combining Mayhem and Bathory with Bolt Thrower and Possessed, then douse it in bullet belts, blasphemy, and satanic supernatural war imagery.

But believe it or not, just as in the case of famous black metal bands like Horde and Antestor, the Christian metal scene has responded with its very own artists that are every bit as rank as their secular counterparts, but are rallied under the banner of Christ. For someone like me who used to listen to this kind of stuff many years ago, it’s awesome to see a whole host of Christian artists knocking out such solid material in the same sonic vein. Cataclysmic Warfare is one of those artists, and Blood Presidium is their first full-length. 

Formed by a mysterious individual known only as E.O.S. (“Exterminator of Serpents,” who is also the mastermind behind the more famous melodic black metal act Marble Tomb), Cataclysmic Warfare also involves Nocturnal Servant of Goatscorge and What Brings Ruin fame, as well as main vocalist Gunner, the sole member behind fellow war metal act Embestida from Chile.

For those who are fans of war metal, I’m just going to come right out and say that you are going to LOVE this record. Everything is as it should be in a subgenre known for its pretty strict visual and sonic boundaries. Black/red/white artwork depicting supernatural violence and war? Check. Pounding, relentless drumbeats? Check. Cavernous, ultra-deep black/death vocals? Check. Unhinged guitar solos? Check as well. It’s all here, like a giant all-you-can-eat smorgasbord for fans of the style. And I’m here for it.

But let’s get into the details a little more, as not all war metal is exactly the same. In my view, Cataclysmic Warfare bear little in common with early Beherit’s sloppy and abrasive sound, nor is it as heinously raw as a band like Conqueror. Instead, this is war metal far more in the vein of Blasphemy and especially Black Witchery, heavier and more death metal-leaning.

Beginning with a strange intro that sounds like its out of one of those old epic Bible films of the 50’s and 60’s, Cataclysmic Warfare waste no time in opening sonic fire. Those who want their metal dynamic and atmospheric aren’t going to be too happy with this one, let’s put it that way. War metal isn’t exactly known for its subtlety, and this one makes no pretences as to what it’s all about: drums that pound the listener into the dust, commanding and cavernous vocals, and guitars that shred and scorch the ears until nothing is left. For fans of war metal, Cataclysmic Warfare delivers on every front.

Of course, with extreme music often comes extreme visuals and lyrics, and Cataclysmic Warfare are obviously not a band interested in shying away from being as direct as possible. The artwork, depicting two strangled demons about to be executed by angelic archers distinctly conforms to the strict visual palette of war metal album covers thus far, right down to the black, red and white colour scheme. It’s gruesome, sure, but it makes its point. Cataclysmic Warfare, as its name implies, is about spiritual warfare – the fall of satan, the triumph of Christ over hell and death, and the ultimate end of evil. If you want subtlety, look elsewhere. Cataclysmic Warfare, much like Swedish black metal titans Skald in Veum, are confrontational and direct, and in my view, to be anything less would come off rather trite. This is war metal after all, and Cataclysmic Warfare’s music and lyrics hit with just as much force as their secular counterparts.

In the end, I definitely get the fact that this record isn’t going to be everybody’s favourite. Some might find the art too gruesome, the lyrics too apocalyptic and violent, or maybe that the whole thing just goes too far and Christians need to draw a line in terms of what kind of metal they play. That’s fair enough. War metal is a particularly frightening and intense genre in every aspect of its self-expression. But I also think that the fact that there are Christian bands like Cataclysmic Warfare out there, speaking the language that a fan of the style can understand, is important. It would have made a huge difference to me, for instance, twenty years ago when I was very anti-Christian. That, and E.O.S.’s personal story is actually quite compelling from the bit of it I’ve read. To come out of the darkness and hell that he did is something, I feel, the heavens rejoice over (cf. Luke 15:10). To come back renewed and reborn with a message of the ultimate triumph of good over evil is, even in this kind of artistic language, a good thing.

So, if you’re a Christian headbanger who used to listen to some of the secular bands mentioned in this review like I did, you’ll probably find yourself loving this record. It’s true to form in every way, and easily stands shoulder to shoulder with other Christian war metal acts like Lucifer Impaled and Goatscorge. And if you’re just a black metal fan in general who still can’t believe Christians can pull off this sound well, give Cataclysmic Warfare a chance. Once the proverbial smoke clears from the wreckage that will be your speakers, I think you’ll find yourself a fan.

Check the band out HERE.

For Fans Of: Black Witchery, Goatscorge, Embestida, Lucifer Impaled, Blasphemy

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