RENGETEG

8/10

"Rengeteg" is a must for Avant-Garde Metal fans.

Thy Catafalque have been on the map for quite a few years, yet they've been pretty much ignored by a good part of the metal community and had a few but very enthusiastic fans. Personally, this band for me was always one to check out, especially after releasing "Roka Hasa Radio", easily one of the best albums of 2009. It seemed hard to top that release, however, "Rengeteg" maintains the same high quality.

Frequently labeled as Avant-garde Metal, this band is a lot more than that: being from Hungary, the traditional music of the country is a huge influence in Thy Catafalque's melodies, and has always been. But we also have Black Metal, Industrial Metal, Folk, Electronic beats and samples, and not to forget Progressive Rock. Their vast amount of influences have made them a pretty impacting band for whoever has listened to their material. "Rengeteg" keeps this same mixture of styles as the previous albums, but there's somewhat more straight-forwardness here, the songs and melodies being a lot less experimental per se and more focused on the melody. As a consequence the ten songs here are relatively shorter than the other albums, with some inevitable exceptions of course. But the melodies are always clear and easy to remember, even after one sole listen, unlike the tracks featured on "Roka Hasa Radio".

The previous album, although more experimental and brave, was sort of a one-faced album, meaning that for the great part of it the music was pretty much mellow. "Rengeteg" elegantly mixes the heaviness with the calm parts, creating a wonderful balance that is almost symmetrical. This symmetry is there also in terms of straight-forwardness and quirkiness: the first part of the LP is more easy-going, while the second part is more experimental, even though this division is not at all firm: there are indeed experimental moments in the first part, and there are very memorable ones in the second part. The two distinct sides of the album are clearly separate by the axis of these ten songs, the fourteen minute epic "Vashegyek", placed obviously in the exact middle of the LP.

Each one of these songs is pretty much a little gem of it's own: the nine minute intro, possibly the heaviest song here, the extremely memorable "Trilobita", and the more electronic based "Ko Koppan" are the definite highlights of the first half, while the second part boasts songs like the mind blowing electronics of "Holdkomp" and track number eight, but also more heavy moments like the closing track.

Overall "Rengeteg" is an extraordinary follow up to "Roka Hasa Radio", which might even outdo it in some ways. Thy Catafalque are a band that should be infinitely praised for the utterly original sound and songwriting abilities, as well as their bold experiments with Hungarian Folk music, Ambient and Electronic. A must for any Avant-Garde Metal/Black Metal fan, in my book.

A forest of sounds

Tamás Kátai, the mastermind of Hungarian experimental, post-black metal, eastern European folk... *breath*... industrial, "space rock" metal band Thy Catafalque, as you can see, has an intriguing vision of his music. Having recorded four albums before RENGETEG, it's actually the first one released by a major record label, namely french/american Season of Mist. And well, I must admit that it's one of the most interesting metal albums I have heard lately.

The record is produced in a professional way which means the sound is clear, fairly selective yet not overproduced or artificial. Distortion is heavy, a little bit fuzzy, kind of reminding me of sludge and industrial metal. Same for computer generated drums. Besides heavy distortion, Thy Catafalque uses a whole range of guitar sounds - from soft space rock overdrive to occasional classical guitar nylon strumming. The vocalist is one of the most intriguing aspects of RENGETEG. Mostly clean, folk-influenced vocals with a few shrieked parts here and there are very well performed. However, it's a presence of various synthesizers and space rock sound effects that determine Thy Catafalque's uniqueness in terms of sound and ambiance.

For an avant-garde metal album, RENGETEG is surprisingly accessible. The most prominent element here are Hungarian folk melodic patterns, that pervade the whole with unique atmosphere and provides the listener with unforgettable musical experiences. All the more so because they're combined with otherworldly atmosphere of space rock in the vain of Ozric Tentacles. Experimental approach to composition and general diversity of moods completed the task - RENGETEG is a very successful release and an excellent addition to any metal music collection. Despite having many masterpiece qualities, it's not absolutely flawless though. First of all, some cheap sounding parts could have been avoided. Some artificially sounding synthesizers could have been replaced with real instruments ("violin" part in Kő koppan spoiled it for me). Some underdeveloped ideas could have reached the masterpiece level if developed (e.g.: "Kel keleti szél", "Kék ingem lobogó"). And finally, some songs could have been better composed and cleansed of generic riffing (e.g.: "Vashegyek").

I really, really like that album despite all the things I've just said above. It's a great effort that deserves 7/10 - 8/10 rating, and for its undeniable originality and emotional charge, I'd gladly give it full 4 star rating. I'm an asshole though. Essential for avant-garde, post-black metal, dark folk and atmospheric music enthusiasts. Hell yeah!

TRACKS BY RATINGS: 9/10[fantastic!]: Kel keleti szél; Kék ingem lobogó; Az eső, az eső, az eső|| 8/10[great]: Fekete mezők; Trilobita; Tar gallyak végül; Minden test fű|| 7/10[very good]: Kő koppan; Holdkomp|| 6/10[good]: Vashegyek||

'Rengeteg' - Thy Catafalque (8/10)

There's something to be said for a metal band that manages to find an original sound. Even in the so-called avant-garde metal style, a listener is bound to find scores of artists pulling out the same 'weird' cliches, without necessarily doing something fresh with them. First hearing Thy Catafalque and the work of Tamás Kátai through his more death metal-oriented project Gire, it was clear to me from the start that there was something sincerely 'out there' about this music. On "Rengeteg", fans of this Hungarian act's previous work will get what they expect: a viciously eclectic dose of strange folk melodies, industrial percussion, and plenty of synthesized goodness. It's not a taste for everyone, but "Rengeteg" is one of the most interesting musical experiences I've heard in recent times.

As far as avant-garde music goes, it almost feels wrong to get the impression of catchiness, or even 'fun' in the music. After all, this is supposed to be heavy, experimental art- catchy hooks and danceability are traits most often reserved for the worst forms of pop. With that being said, "Rengeteg" is an album filled with crazy hooks. "Trilobita" is a feisty folk metal jig fueled with mesmerizing vocal and synth melodies. "Az eső, az eső, az eső" is a little more melancholic, but no less instantly memorable, built around a fiery organ lick that blends perfectly with the more jarring metal riffs. Compared to Thy Catafalque's earlier stuff, "Rengeteg" comes across as a more melodic incarnation of the band's sound. The industrial riffing is still potentially heavy as ever, but Thy Catafalque has largely absconded its more black metal-oriented origins.

"Rengeteg" may have moments of accessibility, but at its core, it remains challenging, even ugly in parts. To counter off the shorter pieces, "Vashegyek" looms around the fifteen minute mark, swerving through Eastern European folk tradition and harsh industrial riffs. Although it largely amounts to personal taste, the industrial elements feel less fitting for Thy Catafalque's sound. It is not so much that it is so much heavier than the rest of "Rengeteg"s ingredients, but rather that it sounds so robotic. Thy Catafalque enjoys some brilliant guest vocalists, warm keyboards and synths, and vast atmosphere. In the midst of this, electronic double-kicks and noisy guitars don't seem to fit as well as they could have. As one could expect from something so eclectic, the production is a little inconsistent, once again favouring the warmer, 'human' elements of the album over the industrial sounds.

There are a great deal of synth and keyboards on "Rengeteg", but the strange Eastern melodies seem perfectly suited for them. Thy Catafalque takes a vast array of styles and ambitions, and condenses them into a blending pan of strange, enjoyable music. Comparisons may be drawn with Sigh, but it's clear that this Hungarian act has a sound it can call its own. Nightmares may ensue, but they'll be worth it.

Thy Catafalque manage the impossible. No one can maintain an atmosphere composed of such earth-crushing heaviness, such vibrant textural earthiness, and such a range of timbre like Thy Catafalque. Even the lyrics contribute to the album's massive, ancient atmosphere. I didn't imagine an endeavor like this was possible before I heard it. But Thy Catafalque doesn't just maintain that atmosphere on Rengeteg; they mold it into brilliant structure after brilliant structure. The grace with which the compositions dance around while maintaining their astonishingly heavy and organic atmosphere is astounding. The music weaves back and forth between deeply moving post-black metal progressions driven by 50-megaton blast beats and an eclectic range of industrial, rock, and folk, all the while maintaining that impossible atmosphere. Renegeteg contains some of the heaviest moments of music that I've ever encountered yet doesn't dwell on them like many bands do; it weaves them into its rich tapestry of sounds. Tamas Katai, who performs all the music on the album except the cello and clean vocals, is one of the most brilliant composers that I've come across. This is the first album of his that I've listened to, and it is an absolute masterpiece. Tamas is an artist of an incredible magnitude.

Rating: 9/10

Rengeteg, one of my biggest surprises back in 2011!!!

Tamás Kátai is a very talented musician from Hungary, and Thy Catafalque is his alter ego. And after the departure of his long-time partner János Juhász the shadow of the doubt flew over this record, because Kátai had to do almost all by himself. But the fans were not disappointed when they heard this great record, one of the band's finest.

Maybe the production is a bit weak, and the drum's sound too crunchy, but the quality and originality of the music compensates it all. Rengeteg is a very interesting mixture between experimental metal and avant-garde following the best tradition of bands like Celtic Frost, but with a very progressive and retro sound that brings bands like the great (and deserving to be in Prog Archives) Amorphis to mind.

Fekete mezők opens this albums with a tasty death metal feeling, some black metal passages but with strong symphonic arrangements. The vocals are superb, specially because of Attila Bakos! Then comes Kel keleti szél, a gothic metal piece with excellent guitar melodies and a Hammond organ that automatically brings Amorphis to mind. Trilobita follows this path, not really progressive but with catchy and with pristine songwriting.

Kő koppan offers dreamy melodies with precious voices, cello and with an appropiate prog-folk sound which leads to Vashegyek, which is arguably the best song of Rengeteg with its female chorus and oriental melodies which derivate in a great alternative metal song. A must for all avant-garde fans!

Holdkomp is a good sample of electronic folk metal, while Kék ingem lobogó is another highlight of the album despite its simplicity. Just very well written! Az eső, az eső, az eső has an odd start, but then some good mellow guitars give way to another very good song. But the same cannot be said for Tar gallyak végül, an instrumental gothic tune wich is forgettable. A pity, because apart of this song and maybe also Holdkomp the album is almost flawless.

Minden test fű is just brutal death metal, with sharp voices and good drumming, but toward the ending give way to another marvelous accelerated prog-rock melody also influenced by Amorphis in my opinion.

Conclusion: at the end of Rengeteg, we leave really satisfied and grateful for this wonderful travel of dark sounding compositions, with enough complexity to satisfy all prog-metal fans while being accessible for more mainstream metal bands. I'm not giving this album five stars because two song which are not so brilliant (despite being good enough) and the weak production.

Best Tracks: all of them, with the exception of Tar gallyak végül and Holdkomp.

My rating: ****

This is the first Thy Catafalque album crafted by Tamás Kátai as a solo performer (with guests on vocals and cello), rather than as a collaboration with Juhász János on guitar - and to be honest, if I hadn't looked that up I wouldn't have guessed, because this pristinely produced exercise in blackened avant-metal with ample folk, prog and electronic influences and experimentation feels like a whole-band effort. The entire scope of Thy Catafalque's sonic universe is brought together in album centrepiece Vashegyek, a 14 minute tour de force which should win you over to Thy Catafalque's approach even if no other composition on here does. Pick it up if you like the idea of atmospheric black metal by way of early Tangerine Dream as performed for an Eastern European folk festival.

5th April, 2021: Thy Catafalque - Rengeteg (avant-garde progressive metal, 2011)

Thy Catafalque's eclecticism can occasionally be a bit of a barrier - the deliberately obscure vocals, samples, drum machine loops and overall aesthetic does make you compare them to wackier and more gimmick-centric bands on a surface level. But throughout an album like this in particular, Tamas manages to squeeze in moments of genuine inspiration, and even though I wouldn't call it a thoroughly great album - there isn't a single track that doesn't have a "wow, that's kinda neat" moment. Perhaps because of this, Rengeteg is their best album, but at this point I'd struggle to be able to tell any of them apart.

6.8 (4th listen)

Part of my listening diary from my facebook music blog - www.facebook.com/TheExoskeletalJunction