Maximum Metal Rating Legend

CATCH 22 - Soulreaper Vol.1 - 2007 - Indy

Track Listing1. Soulreaper 2. Cyberchrist 3. Atlantis Rising 4. Swimming With Sharks 5. Dis Con Nec Ted 6. Crawling 7. Never 8. Killing Floor 9. Summer's Reign 10. Season Of The Witch 11. Winter's Call

Well, well, well, my friends Catch22 is back from the dead! It's been 4 years since the release of one of the defining albums from 2003 "Awaken". This time the jounery will span 2 CD's with the second to follow at the end of the year. "Soulreaper Vol.1" is decidingly different from the previous offering, here the band turns to more of a traditional sound from the 80's and 90's but still very guitar driven. T.J.'s vocal delivery is still powerful enough to compete with Tim "The Ripper" Owens and Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin. Andy Bookhart and Mike Allen round out the rest of the line-up and provide a powerhouse of sound.

"Soulreaper Vol.1" is divided into two acts. The first five songs following under the title Evilution Rising and the remainder under the title Devilution Descending. Both acts are comprised of excellent songs that are a cross of Judas Priest's Jugulator album and early 90's Sacred Reich. Soulreaper and Cyberchirst kick them album into full swing and later the act is fleshed out with the catchy Dis Con Nec TED. In a similar fashion Crawling and Killing Floor punch the album back into gear and are my two favorites after the titletrack. Season Of The Witch is another notable track that will stick in your head, mainly due to one of my favorite lines on the CD, "She's a twisted wicked bitch...it's the season of the witch!".

The only negative here would be the production but that still doesn't keep me from cranking it. "Awaken" had a harsh in your face metal sound but here the overall heaviness is lacking causing the guitars and drums not to be as powerful as they should. Still aside from that "Soulreaper Vol.1" presents a great listen with well structured songs and brillant guitar playing (T.J. does all the guitar work also) that will find it's way into your player for many listens. Make sure to track your copy down and keep your eyes peeled for Vol.2 because CATCH22 will be making strides in the metal world sooner than you think.


Classify this one as a NO RISK DISC!


Buy it here.


Rating: 4


--1evil1 09.18.07