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The ethereal symphonic metal project VALCATA return with their powerful new single Paralyzed. Bringing together an array of talented musicians from across the globe, VALCATA manifest an immense and enthralling sound.

“This song is about how being a musician can sometimes be torturous and depressing, because there’s a climb to success that seems so insurmountable,” says composer Oha Cade.

“I’m sure not only musicians can relate to this, but anyone who has a dream or a goal and sometimes feels lost. Paralyzed is about a moment in time that many of us feel, where the future seems bleak. There is hope of course, and my hope is expressed in the creation of the song itself. I’m extremely grateful to have worked with the insanely talented musicians who have brought this song to life.”

Watch the visualizer for “Paralyzed” here.

Initially beginning as a symphonic/power metal band based in Dublin, Ireland, VALCATA now operates as a symphonic project led by Cade, who is now based in New York. The name VALCATA is a combination of ‘falcata’ (a type of ancient weapon) and Valhalla. 2019 saw the project’s self-titled debut full-length unleashed, followed by the single Tower in early 2021. Now in 2022, Paralyzed showcases VALCATA’s thriving collaborations and evolving compositions. Dark thundering rhythms burst into life accompanied by a delicate piano and eerie orchestration. Stefani Keogh’s cleans soar above the metal instrumentation while Marcos L. Peñate’s demonic harsh vocals bring a menacing impact.

From entwining melodies and soaring leads to dynamic percussion and technical elements, VALCATA offer a thrilling experience of symphonic metal. Paralyzed is an enchanting addition to their spellbinding discography.

— CREDITS —

– Vocalists –
Stefani Keogh (NERGARD, WOODS OF WONDERS) ~ England — lead clean, backing clean/harsh
Marcos L. Peñate (EVENOR, EVERLASTING MORTALITY) ~ Spain — lead harsh, backing clean

– Guitars –
João Miguel (ENBLOOD, NEPHILIM) ~ Portugal

– Bass –
Chris Kollias (SL THEORY, SERENITY BROKEN, PERSONA NON GRATA) ~ Greece

– Drums –
Jonas Schütz (SACROSANCT, SAPIENCY, ERASERHEAD, DIËSIS, CONDEMNED TO DREAM, FIRST ENCOUNTER, OCEANRISE) ~ Germany

– Strings –
Nathaniel Wolkstein (www.nathanielwolkstein.com) ~ USA

– Synths –
Oha Cade ~ USA

– Mixing And Mastering –
Jacob Hansen (AMARANTHE, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, EPICA) ~ Denmark

Music, lyrics, and artwork by Oha Cade

By Adam Waldman (Publisher/Editor)

How’s The Sound?

The trip starts with a vibrant first song, ‘Monus Bonus’ builds up the energy that we need to lift us away from the clutches of gravity.

Now that we float freely, ‘The Nordic One’ sets us on an emotional course through inner space. Don’t be afraid to shed a little tear on the way, because the destination is warm and forgivingly heavy.

‘The Mystic Four’ comes very gentle and optimistic like after facing our emotions, we are able to see much clearer where the road can go – and then we truly start exploring.

‘Ruskial’ is the most playful track on the album, it really lets the mind loose until we end up in a completely different world, asking ourselves how did we get here?

‘Pos. T’ feels like a turning point. As we soar over endless deserts, the vibes are getting obscurer and ultimately point toward the heavy ending.

But before that, there is one last puzzle to solve for us. ‘6. Akt’ is more on the cerebral side, the sound is cold and clear, forming mountains of ice, and crushing them in the end.

For the finale, we deserve at least a slow-motion sunset on planet mercury, don’t you think? And that’s exactly what we get – the last song ‘Hardangial’ wraps us in calm, giving the album a strong finish, that leaves no one unsatisfied.

Why is this album worth listening to?

• The record is delicately composed and has a lot to discover.
• The mood in each song is thoughtfully built up and delivered – it will pick you up from anywhere.
• Son Cesano cooked this one with no regard to genre boundaries, they threw in a variety of styles and sounds. The melange will stimulate all your different taste buds. Bon appétit!

In what situation should you listen to this album?

On long travels, playing fantasy games, or getting creative.

Something particular to note?

The album beautifully reflects its title in each song.

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