By Pete Wadeson

At long last Cathedral have managed to step out from the shadow of their greatest influence to become a band in their own right and not merely another bunch of soundalikes. Not that they ever did commit blatant plagiarism, but there have been times along the way that Cathedral have strayed perilously close to playing note-perfect Sabbath riffs. Undoubtably "Caravan Beyond Redemption" is a mighty meaty work of Sabbath-inspired riffs but this time around, thankfully, that's where the similarity ends. Cathedral have now come of age and matured to emerge into a fine true British rock band in their own righ. It'd be all too easy for the band to lay back and ride the 'stoopid' term 'stoner' metal and dish out yet another pleasingly palatable Sabbath-inspired release. Alternatively they've opted to be themselves. Granted the main influence is worn well and truly on their collective sleeves but tempered with some fine innovation the lads themselves have created and reached their strongest creative point since vocalist Lee Dorien first decided to wear flairs and sing about mushrooms and goblins or...oh, what the hell! This is Cathedral, this is "Caravan Beyond Redemption," this is the one to buy. What was that - Never Say Die - eh, lads?

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