CATHARTIC DEMISE is a Canadian Progressive Thrash Metal band and this self-titled EP is their debut. Prog Thrash Metal is a genre that doesn't seem to get much notice or have that many bands in it.  Since VEKTOR seems to be MIA right now, CATHARTIC DEMISE seems keen on filling that void.   Despite all the Prog elements, make no mistake: this album is as much Thrash as it is Prog.  The intensity contained within is volatile.  These guys definitely thrash to the core while doing it with skills not often scene in Thrash.

The first track, "Liberty," immediately storms the proverbial beaches with an intensity that rivals old school bands like EXODUS and DESTRUCTION.  The guitars have such a nice, clean tone that allows an edge to be retained but doesn't take over the guitar.  Bassist Tanner, guitarists Taylor and Smith (who also shouts his ass off as the vocalist) are a trio of destruction.  In the three songs presented here, there seems to be an unlimited number of riffs; their punishing Thrash is constantly pushed, pulled, and turned with a Progressive song structure.  As such, the songs never get stale and it really is a case of every second being presented with a new idea.  The final half "Liberty," sounds like three or four songs in one because it runs the stretch from 80's style thrash, to technical guitar solos, and back around to a more modern sound.

The second track, "The Vice," is showcase for PIKE and his impressive skills on the drum kit.  He is so fast that I'm surprised the songs didn't just vibrate apart before reaching the ears.  Guitar wise, this song is a bit more melodic but it retains a vicious Thrash sound because of the double bass and the vocals that spit the lyrics out a mile a minute. The final track is "Solar Returning," a nine minute tour de force for every member in the band to display their talent.  The lead and rhythm guitar for the first are played with a speed that didn't allow me to breathe for a second.  The end of the song is basically a duel between the lead guitar and the double bass for who can melt the most brains.  About half way thru the song, it turns into an audio training course on the dangers of being assaulted in the face by a diamond mallet.

Despite just having three songs, this little EP comes away, leaving lasting impressions and curiosity in its wake for what is to come.  It is hard to be able to bring these two genres together but fans of Thrash and/or Prog need this in their collection.