Kataklysm is known for a frequently used drum pattern known as "Northern Hyperblast", after an advertisement in M.E.A.T. magazine describing another band, Fear Factory, as "hyperblast". The term refers to the extremely fast blast beats that former Kataklysm drummer, Max Duhamel, fuses into the music; The pattern often contains fast sixteenth beats on the snare drum, which are combined with a slow beat on the bass drum.

Kataklysm is well known for their incorporation of movie-quote samples in their music, as well for incorporating some melodic elements into their music while still not being melodic death metal, courtesy of guitarist Jean-Francois Dagenais. The band is ranked 7th on AOL Radio's list of the 10 best Death Metal bands.

Maurizio Iacono used to play bass when Sylvain Houde did vocals.

In May 2010, frontman Maurizio Iacono opened a pizzeria, together with his good friend, Saverio Donancricchia, in Chicago. The joint is called Albano's Pizzeria #2, and is said to be famous for its giant pizza puffs.