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After almost 20 years in the business, Finnish band Catamenia made a daring change to their sound. In 2006 the band decided to put aside their melodic Black Metal leanings and upgrade to something better. Infusing their sound with elements of modern Power and Gothic Metal (clean vocals, for example) and collaborating with producer Kari Vähäkuopus, the ravenous beast that is Catamenia broadened their appeal beyond the confines of extreme metal.

Cavalcade is the third album since the band implemented their new, modified approach to metal. This album, unlike its two predecessors, and in light of them, is not nearly as risky. Through the years Catamenia has amassed a core of undoubtedly loyal fans. Nevertheless, since Location: Cold those fans have braced for the worst. Instead, Catamenia has gained additional fans as they opened themselves up to other sub-genres.

Cavalcade demonstrates Catamenia's will to explore both the extreme world as well as some of the classic forms of metal. While dissimilar to past greats like Chaos Born or Winternight Tragedies (the terrific blast beats are still present, though), the album is still memorable. The melodic Death, sorrowful Gothic and tentative forays into Power ensured a variety among the songs. Catamenia follows the pattern of other bands who have blended extreme and classic styles, therefore, there aren't any real surprises.

With their ample melodic nature and new ways, Catamenia showed a desire to reach more fans. The addition of clean vocals has worked well for the band. The band also worked to produce catchier tunes like "Blood Trails" (with an amazing guest appearance by Poisonblack's Ville Laihiala), "Post Mortem" and "The Path that Lies Behind Me." Beyond those awesome tracks, the fusion of the three vocal lines, heard throughout the album, is exceptional.

Cavalcade is dark, mysterious and cold. It also shows an openness that lasts throughout the album. It seems the payoff was worth the risk. Although their Black Metal endeavors were great, this new sound fits the band very well.