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Katagory 5 has released their third album.  The metal band has sharpened their sound, going for a classic, hard-metal sound that would be quite comfortable in the '80’s heyday of metal.  With vocals from Lynne Allers, the sound is reminiscent of '80’s bands such as Iron Maiden, Deliverance, or the more melodic side of bands such as Fates Warning or Slayer.

Despite being on a label (Nightmare Records) that has many prog-metal bands, their really isn’t much progressive about Kategory 5’s latest disc.  Instead, they bulk up the layers of sound with a thick sound that allows them to focus on delivery & classic metal grooves.  There are truthfully more touches of thrash than prog.  The quality of the playing is top-notch, and the production is strong.  Guitarists Curtis Morrell & Marc Hanson are ably backed by the rhythm section of Dustin Mitchell (Bass) and Matt Suiter (Drums).

Vocally, Allers is good, but lacks the strength throughout his range that is apparent in similar vocalists Lance King (Balance of Power) or Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden).  He is technically strong, though some sliding from note to note is a bit distracting.  Also, his falsetto is not particularly strong, a big negative in any metal band.

This disc is probably one of the best metal albums to come out of Utah, but that is not quite enough.  An enjoyable disc for fans of the classic metal sound (but too heavy for pop metal fans), this is recommended if you like that style.  If you only want the cream of the crop, or if you are seeking prog-metal that pushes the limits, I would wait for the bands’ future releases or seek another band for now.

By Jonathan Nelson
9-9-06