Fear of Domination - Katharsis (2026)^{Release ID: 65578}

It's not often for a band to last two decades with most of the members intact since the beginning. 4 of the 7 members of Fear of Domination have stayed together for all of their albums; male vocalist Saku Solin, bassist Lauri Ojanen, and guitarists Jan-Erik Kari and Johannes Niemi. One other longtime member, keyboardist Lasse Raelahti joined the band in 2012. And now there are two new members for a new album in a new era...

Katharsis is their brand-new 7th album released in the beginning of this year 2026. It marks the debut of female vocalist Jessica Salmi and drummer Anton Nisonen. It also continues the trance-filled melodic metalcore sound from their previous album VI: Revolution, while bringing back their earlier industrial/cyber metal side.

"Alone" is a h*ll of a strong energetic start. The verses screamed by both vocalists are in a great contrast with the catchy sung choruses for a well-balanced composition. Then there's the more simplistic "Dead Anyway", having a slow intro before the dancey keyboards enter alongside the metal instrumentation and vocal power. "Monsters" is the first single for the album, released nearly two years prior. Although the intro sounds a bit dull, the riff attacks with headbanging rhythm, encouraging you all to sing and shout along. The soloing between the second and final choruses is filled with shredding fury. Up next is "Imposter" which is more grandiose, thanks to the synthesized orchestrations and choir. It's both dramatic and dynamic!

The groovy "Last Words" is heavy in both the metal and the electronics. I can predict that song being a live staple! There's nothing silly about "Primum Noce Apte" when their earlier cutthroat melodeath riffing makes a comeback. I feel they could've let out their rage longer though. "Rabbit Hole" starts off brutal before resting calm while still catchy.

We're heading into the final third of the album now, starting with another perfect track "All as One". They can do the whole "disco-metal" thing as well as Battle Beast, probably better! The final chorus has the most of their energy. "Endgame" is an epic single from the album seems to emphasize their earlier industrial/trance metal roots further. A hard-hitting masterpiece of a song! The finale "Feel" has similar gentle melancholy to Metanoia's closing track. I probably would've loved it more if not for the abrupt ending.

Fear of Domination still have their strong talent in Katharsis, with energetic songs worth both dancing and headbanging to. Despite a couple slight struggles somewhere, there's hope for their music to make a strong global impact....

Favorites: "Alone", "Imposter", "Last Words", "All as One", "Endgame"

Note: I've decided to try a new thing where for any of the favorites I've listed for a reviewed releases, the ones in bold are the ones I deem not just great, but true perfection.