They’ll prevail

>>It’s taken 17 years but Montreal death
metal band Kataklysm couldn’t be
happier with where they are

SLOW BLOSSOMING: Kataklysm

by JOHNSON CUMMINS

In the world of metal, success has always hinged on promoting yourself on the road, and given the current dilapidated state of the record industry, it has never been more important. Packing their bags once again, Montreal death metal band Kataklysm are about to set out for the rest of the year in support of their ninth and arguably most powerful record, Prevail. They’re hitting the U.S., Canada and European festivals, while early 2009 is already reserved for a first-time visit to Russia and a return to Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Mexico—before starting the whole thing over again.

Since their start during death metal’s glory days of 1991, Kataklysm have probably travelled more miles than any other Montreal band before them. With all the clicks clocked in behind them and success finally within their reach, the road hasn’t gotten any less rocky. Five years ago, bassist Maurizio Iacono moved permanently to Chicago, got married, bought a house and became a father. Today, his domestic bliss is both a blessing and a curse.

“We are definitely more successful now because of all of the touring we’ve done,” Iacono says, “but it’s also gotten harder because I’ve already missed half of my son’s life growing up. I don’t know if it’s going to get any easier, but I try to fly him in as much as I can when I’m on tour. My family has been cool but it’s just something we’ve had to learn to adapt to. This is my bread and butter, and right now the way to support my family is to go out on the road. The band sat down a while ago and tried to figure out if we were just going to make this a hobby, get real jobs and play festivals every weekend, or to try to take it all the way—and we still want to take it as far as it can go.”

Kataklysm’s newest release has what it takes to knock them up a rung on the metal ladder. Although they still cling to their death metal roots, songs chug ahead with a newfound mid-tempo groove that still manages to pummel with ferocity. Replacing the speedy chaos of earlier days, the songs boast more mature arrangements and catchy melodies that burrow under the skin while never sacrificing any wallop. If anything, this seems like the final payoff for a band that have kept their eyes on the prize for the past 17 years.

“We’ve really been a slow blossoming. It took us so many years just to get noticed, but we’ve always sold more and more records with each release, despite what’s going on in the industry or trends. I definitely think we’ve gotten better at songwriting, as a live band as well. To take this long before any kind of recognition couldn’t have been a better blessing. We’ve always realized we had to work hard and prove ourselves, and that kind of thinking can do a lot for a band. We’re still really determined and because we’ve stuck around so long, we’ve been fortunate enough that it gave us a career. I think Kataklysm is really comfortable about where we are at now because we’ve found our niche and just want to grow from there.”

CD launch with guests Martyr
and Augury at le Medley on
Saturday, June 7, 7 p.m.,
$26, all ages