Katra – Beast Within

Releasedate: 29-08-2008; Label: Napalm Records
By: Elvira Visser

KATRA is a gothic metal band from Finland. The beginnings date back to 2006 when several musicians clinched hands together and created KATRA. The musicians come from different known Finnish bands such as Lovex, Nocturn, Minerva and Sonicmind. Bass player Johannes Tolonen and guitarist Kristian Kangasniemi known from the dark metal band Nocturn started with the idea to form a new band as they had played different genres since they left Nocturn. The band needed a classical schooled vocalist and found her in Katra Solopuro, who began her singing career as a background vocalist for Essentia.

After a radio hit in Finland with the track “Sahara” they released their self-titled debut album in the spring of 2007. Now they present their new CD “Beast Within”, released by Napalm Records.

Personally I miss something when listening to the band, maybe it is just not my kind of flavour though I like the “old” Nightwish. And with the classical harmonies and catchy melodies it does remind me of Nightwish. They added some metal arrangements but it does not convince me, it is only flirting with a metal sound but stays more light. There are some good tempo-rhythm changes, and sharp riffs but overall it is nothing new, it has all been done before. What I do like is that they wovenwove a few folk influences into their music. This is what makes them a little different.

The track “Flow” starts out with a nice tempo when suddenly there is this background Arabic melody that takes away the attention to everything especially when Katra herself is still singing. And the violin added composition might add to the Arabic atmosphere but to me it feels that the violinist just plays at certain times and maybe with the background singing it is a little too much. “Beast Within” creates room for Katra to introduce the melody of the track and reminds me of Nightwish but I do think this is one of the better tracks. “Kuunpoika” is the famous Spanish song “Hijo de la Luna” from “Mecano”but sung in Finnish. Although I like the Finnish language it seems to fit perfectly, again I do have the feeling they could make the track a bit stronger, more heavier, it stays very sweet and delicate.

Simply I expected a little more and a little originality although that might be difficult as many female fronted bands seem to appear. But if you like Epica, Within Temptation and Nightwish you might like this band.

Links:
Katra MySpace
Katra Official