Thy Catafalque, the brainchild of Hungarian multi-instrumentalist Tamás Kátai, has long been a beacon of avant-garde innovation in metal. With “XII: A gyönyörű álmok ezután jönnek“, the project solidifies its reputation for blending the ethereal with the ferocious, the traditional with the futuristic. This album moved me deeply, not just for its mesmerizing compositions but for the way it seemed to reach into the depths of my soul, evoking emotions I hadn’t expected.
The cover artwork of “XII: A gyönyörű álmok ezután jönnek”
© Dániel Szécsényi and Tamás Kátai
A Kaleidoscope of Sound
From the opening notes of “Piros kocsi, fekete éj” (meaning “Red Carriage, Black Night” in English), it’s evident that this is a work of unparalleled ambition. The track’s poetic lyrics evoke a dreamlike journey, while musically, it traverses shimmering guitar arpeggios, symphonic flourishes, and pulsating alternative rock. The mastery of dynamics ensures that each element fits seamlessly, creating a captivating introduction. Truth be told, “Piros kocsi, fekete éj” moved me to tears—perhaps because I managed to piece together the meaning of its lyrics with the little Hungarian I know. There was something deeply personal in that process of discovery, as if I were unlocking a hidden door to emotions both universal and uniquely tied to the language’s poetic cadence.
Adding to this emotional pull is its beautifully animated video, where a train roams through shadowy mountains and moonlit valleys, creating a mesmerizing backdrop. The visuals feel straight out of own past journeys—those quiet moments on trains when the world outside transforms into a flowing tapestry of landscapes, shadows, and dreams. The steady rhythm of the train echoes the song’s introspective pulse, its relentless forward motion a metaphor for time slipping away. Watching it felt like revisiting fragments of my own memories, where the solitude of travel gave space for reflection and the fleeting scenery outside became a mirror to inner thoughts. The combination of music and imagery creates a deeply immersive experience, one that lingers long after the last note fades.
If my future journeys unfold, will this song accompany me? Without a doubt—yet in a way that feels almost transcendent, as if it will always be there, quietly leading me forward, a steadfast companion on my path.
And then, there’s “Mindenevő“, a track that propels me forward with an intensity all its own. Where the previous song might have lingered in quiet reflection, this one is totally different.
“Mindenevő” is an unsettling voyage into the darker aspects of existence, embracing the inevitability of consumption and decay. The lyrics evoke a haunting image of life as a cycle of devouring and being devoured, where nothing remains untouched by time’s relentless erosion. The vivid descriptions of the digestive process serve as metaphors for the larger, inescapable forces at play within both the body and soul. The “labyrinth of the digestive tract” becomes a metaphor for life’s path, where every turn, every action, feeds into an unstoppable force that ultimately consumes everything—flesh, spirit, and time.
The imagery of “twilight of alimentary canals” and “the tubular corridors where acid crawls” is visceral and almost grotesque, capturing the essence of life’s breakdown and decay. The idea of the soul finding a “new abode” within the body’s confines suggests a deeply existential reflection: life is fleeting, and in its finality, all that remains is the cycle of consumption. The line “Life is but sin/ Deterioration in every second” ties this notion to the inherent imperfection and impermanence of human existence, where each moment lived is a step closer to inevitable decay.
Yet, despite the grim tone, there is a strange acceptance in these lyrics—a recognition that devouring, decay, and destruction are part of the very fabric of life. The idea that “decay will find its home” within the body is both literal and philosophical, suggesting that nothing in life can escape its end. The cyclical nature of the song itself mirrors this process, with the music growing in intensity as the lyrics explore the expansion of this “reign” of consumption, reflecting how the forces of destruction and rebirth intertwine, ultimately bringing everything back to nothing.
The next song, “Vasgyár“, is juxtaposing relentless black metal intensity with atmospheric rock undertones. The tune opens with a monologue that feels like a breath of fresh air, a perfect moment of respite after the intensity of the second track. It’s almost like a pause in the narrative, a reflective moment that allows the listener to catch their breath before diving back into the musical landscape. And then… Gábor Veres effortlessly blends brutal and melodic vocals, creating a powerful contrast.
Midway through the album, “Nyárfa, Nyírfa” and “Lydiához” offer a serene respite. The former, with its gothic undertones and emotive saxophone solo, feels like a melancholic reflection under a canopy of stars. The latter—a reimagining of a 1980 Hungarian folk song—is hauntingly beautiful, with male and female vocals trading verses over a delicate, acoustic arrangement.
But ey, we can’t leave this review without mentioning “Vakond” which brings a refreshing shift in tone, feeling almost like tavern music that invites you to leave your worries behind. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to step into a cozy place grab a cold beer, and let the merriment take over. The lively rhythms and infectious energy create a sense of camaraderie, as if you’re surrounded by good friends and laughter, making it impossible not to get swept up in the celebration. It’s a track that captures that carefree, joyful spirit—perfect for those moments when you just want to enjoy the present and forget about the world outside.
The eight-minute “Ködkirály” stands out as a masterwork of contrasts. It opens with the delicate, ethereal female vocals of Ivett Dudás layered over electronic beats, gradually evolving into crushing doom metal reminiscent of early Celtic Frost.
Moving forward, the title track, “A gyönyörű álmok ezután jönnek” (“The Beautiful Dreams are Yet to Come” in English, as translated by the artist in an exclusive interview), serves as the album’s emotional pinnacle. Its lyrics delve into a sense of loss, reflecting on a world that feels barren and full of bitterness. The opening lines set a somber mood, suggesting that everything has been drained of meaning, with the imagery of a dry well and a forest that will “bow down”. But the song shifts toward hope, proclaiming that despite the darkness, a new day—a dawn—will come, filled with beautiful dreams yet to arrive (“Dawn, dawn will come/ Night swallows me but that’s the way/ The beautiful dreams are yet to come”). The repeated calls in the chorus for love, spring, and rain represent a longing for renewal and change, urging a break from the bleakness. Even when nothing seems worth pursuing, the narrator vows to leave it all behind, looking forward to the future’s promise of something better.
Final Words: A Feast for the Ears
“XII: A gyönyörű álmok ezután jönnek” is a masterclass in sonic storytelling. With nearly 30 contributing musicians—playing everything from bouzouki to electric cello—every track feels like its own intricate world. Kátai’s ability to weave Hungarian folk motifs into a framework that also includes black metal, gothic rock, and electronic music is nothing short of genius.
Tamás Kátai performing in Romania, at Posada Rock Festival 2024
(c) Paul Voicu (LivePictures Ro)
This is an album that rewards repeated listens. Each layer, instrument, and lyrical nuance reveals something new, making it an irresistible experience for those willing to delve into its depths.
If you’re looking for music that transcends boundaries and offers a deeply emotional, immersive experience, Thy Catafalque’s new album, recorded in various countries (Hungary, United Kingdom, Romania, Ukraine, Italy, Spain, Greece, North Macedonia, Israel, U.S.A., Colombia, Brazil), and released on November 15, 2024 via Season of Mist label, is a must-listen. Tamás Kátai has once again proven himself as a visionary, crafting a work that is as profound as it is beautiful.
Tracklist
“Piros kocsi, fekete éj” [04:12];
“Mindenevö” [06:35];
“Vasgyár” [06:18];
“Világnak világa” [06:28];
“Nyárfa, nyírfa” [02:53];
“Lydiához” [03:05];
“Vakond” [04:29];
“Ködkiraly” [07:58];
“Aláhullás” [03:48];
“A gyönyörü álmok ezután jönnek” [03:13].
Get in Touch with Thy Catafalque!
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuh35d2GxEnbXxLbMtyF4fg;
Bandcamp: https://thycatafalqueuk.bandcamp.com/album/xii-a-gy-ny-r-lmok-ezut-n-j-nnek;
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sgTqbA7htxYkRRJBPZIom;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@thycatafalque;
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thy_catafalque/.
