The VIIth Coming (DreamCatcher~2002)
I could get used to this, a new Cathedral album every year. A year after releasing the excellent "Endtyme", the British doomsters put out another slice of guitar-laden metal that can hold its own with any of its contemporaries while reminding us all of the magic of 70s hard rock/heavy metal. Opening with the awesome "Phoenix Rising", this release displays what makes Cathedral such a legendary band, from the great groove and guitar work of "Resisting The Ghost" to the heavier, sludgier "Skullflower" to the great mix of sounds and vibes of "Aphrodite´s Winter". There isn´t a bad track on this album. This may not be Cathedral´s heaviest release, but the band again shows it can play an up-tempo and flowing style or grime it up with the best of them, as is amply demonstrated on "The Empty Mirror". This album benefits from a good production that doesn´t rob the music of its grit. All in all, another fine effort from a truly great metal band.