Pat Catalano is a Chicago-based guitarist, songwriter, and producer whose work spans melodic rock, heavy metal, and atmospheric songwriting. As the founder of CATALANO and The PAT CALALANO PROJECT, his music is driven by powerful melodies, emotive storytelling, and a refusal to be confined by genre, formed in 2007, Catalano blends elements of heavy metal and melodic rock into a sound that defies easy classification. Drawing inspiration from bands such as QUEENSRYCHE, DOKKEN, NIGHTWISH, JOURNEY and METALLICA, the band delivers music that is both dynamic and distinctly its own, known for their energetic live performances, Catalano channels the spirit and spectacle of classic '80s arena rock while maintaining a modern edge representing a unified artistic vision, music without limits, built on passion, melody, and power. Aside from his musical ventures, he hosts The Beard Speaks podcast on YouTube. The newest album, that I am reviewing today is "Paper Crowns" self-released on January 1, 2026. 

Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold my beer because the two opening tracks  "Paper Crowns" and "The Fall of Rome" are powerful and blistering songs that immediately grab your attention and doesn't let go. They're built on driving rhythm, huge guitar distorted riffs and strong aggressive vocals that feel both raw and melodic but are perfectly controlled and exhilarating, A fantastic way to start the album off. "Crawl" is a slow burn "kick sand in the bully's face" nasty riff balanced with an infectious vocal that brings catchy, melodic rocking chops all sewn together with edgy and raw guitar licks. If passion had a sound, it would be the sinfully emotional track "Through His Eyes (Ari's Song)" a gritty riff and chops with its arching melody, somber acoustics and a nice delicate guitar accompaniment all seared together that actually sent chills down my spine, a beautiful heartfelt song of a fathers love letter to his daughter. "Midnight on Overdrive" is plain and simple, top down with the wind in your hair and the volume cranked to eleven delivering a straight forward, no nonsense traditional metal-esque heaviness. Sorry my dear readers, I'm exhausted and lost for adjectives to describe the remaining songs, "Burning Down the Sky", "The Throne of Glass (Absent King)", " The Silence (Freedom)" and "The New Empire" as they all deliver a high powered cacophony of hard rocking, thunderous headbanging experience. The vocal work by Andreas Gazza complimented the very essence of the fierce ferocity laid down by the masterful guitar of Pat Catalano bolstered by the sharp, precise cybernetic rhythm section. 

HOW THE HELL HAS THIS BAND GONE UNDER THE RADAR?.... Seriously, "Paper Crowns" is an absolute masterpiece, from the opening note till the final riff, it hits with a blistering power of razor sharp intensity and passion. Now I ask you Mr. Catalano, when you getting your ass back in the studio…..real soon I hope.

"Paper Crowns" can be purchased on all music platforms with a special edition vinyl and cd available in late March.