Considering their cathartic ability to bring not only happiness, but comfort and even purpose to people’s lives, it is perhaps surprising that musicians have not really composed songs on the subject of pets. Especially considering musicians’ desire to write about personal subjects, and not to mention how the likes of metal and prog especially like to tackle subjects like mental stability that may prove almost taboo in other genres.

Such is the subject of Stampede(Self Released), the latest stand alone single by New England Progressive metallers Caricature between album releases. Written by mainman Joseph Spiller about his cat Parmesan and the unique and life affirming bond which saw them both fight through severe health issues (Parmesan being abandoned and found with infestations, whilst Spiller fought Crohn’s Disease), and shows a heartfelt nature on a very human subject of which most should relate to.

At nearly 30 minutes duration, Stampede certainly has room to move musically, and shows significant growth throughout, from the serene ambience of its opening to a wider sound with more extreme roots, which is a very familiar formula but one that still works well to build anticipation and emphasize its different sides. The real flaw here is perhaps the vocals which, once again, lack originality, but more importantly concerning the clean vocals, sound limp and fail to stand out, especially compared to much more impactful harsh growls alongside.

The taglines of cat based prog will of course be highlighted with mentions of Stampede, and rightly so as it’s a bold tactic to highlight such a subject which shows humanity and fragility that many will know and empathise with. What this also highlights however is that Caricature are a band that have a bold vision and show signs of real potential. It isn’t perfect, and sonically it’s far from innovative, but there is still plenty to take from. Plus, we all know that cats are really as synonymous with metal as the devil himself.

6.5/10

CHRIS TIPPELL