Album Review: Thy Catafalque – Vadak (Season of Mist)

Following the critically-acclaimed success of 2020’s ‘Naiv’, Thy Catafalque has returned with its latest masterpiece, ‘Vadak’. Out on June 25th 2021 via Season of Mist.

Thy Catafalque’s humble genius Tamás Kátai abandons any and all prenotions of tradition. Intertwining elements from a vast swath of unrelated genres, from jazz to pop to folk, and everything in between.

Meaning “Wildlings” in Hungarian, the album title is a deliberate clue to the exotic and feral essence of ‘Vadak’. Thematically, ‘Vadak’ is a foreboding lesson in mortality. Emphasizing the fragility that is shared by man and beast alike, the record explores our Freudian life instincts, in which we inherently fear and run from the ultimate goal of existence: death.

Expect the unexpected when it comes to Thy Catafalque and then still be surprised by just how passionately unusual this solo artist can be. The thrill that Szarvas brings with its wild array of synth, danceable groove and black metal fire makes for a fun and interesting opener.

Thy Catafalque are just getting started though as Köszöntsd a hajnalt showcases folkish melody and female vocals. Gömböc is a mentally draining bout of furious technicality and strange effects which is then met by Az energiamegmaradás törvénye even more intense pacing. Although, the eventual drop in melody at the end is simply wonderful.

So much variety, so much going on and so much more to enjoy. There really isn’t a band out there quite like Thy Catafalque and is if to hammer that point home, here comes the 10+ minutes of Móló. Where everything you love about Thy Catafalque is present. Ferociousness heaviness, blistering extreme metal, dark 80’s synth and unbelievably catchy rhythms. It might be long but it doesn’t feel it. It’s also not alone as later, Vadak (Az átváltozás rítusai) pushes things to an even greater height with its 12+ minute runtime.

Before then though, a couple of short offerings keeps things fresh. The weird jazz/effects fusion of A kupolaváros titka and memorable, feel-good melody of Piros-sárga. Before the vocals make their grand return on the epic synthy sounding Piros-sárga.

Talking of epic though…

Vadak (Az átváltozás rítusai) is out of this world. 12+ minutes of simply spectacular imagination. Thy Catafalque taking us on a journey that features crushing blackened metal intensity, eerie synth, gorgeous melodies and folkish energy. It’s a track that is impossible to fathom, you just need to hear it yourself.

How do you follow that? Simply by ending the album in reflective and emotional style. Zúzmara is a finale that drips with sorrowful melody and is the perfect way to wrap things up.

Expect the unexpected and still, you’ll be surprised. Thy Catafalque continue to astound on release after release and Vadak is yet another very special offering.

Thy Catafalque – Vadak Full Track Listing:

1. Szarvas
2. Köszöntsd a hajnalt
3. Gömböc
4. Az energiamegmaradás törvénye
5. Móló
6. A kupolaváros titka
7. Kiscsikó (Irénke dala)
8. Piros-sárga
9. Vadak (Az átváltozás rítusai)
10. Zúzmara

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