EP REVIEW: Catalysis – Catalysis

Last year, Dundee metalcore collective CATALYSIS unveiled their debut EP, Into The Unknown. The release got much positive feedback, however, the band felt that it didn’t truly reflect their musical abilities, and this is something that they have been determined to put right with its self-titled follow-up.

With two new members on board, rhythm guitarist Sean Ramson, and Col MacGregor replacing Sam Field as front man, as well as Mendel bij de Leij of death metal legends ABORTED producing, the ferocious sound, monstrous guitar riffs, and harsh vocals, along with frequent roars and screams, that formed a key part of the first offering remain, however, the quartet have decided to place more emphasis on distributing a five-track showcase of further refined output, with added groove and texture, that is straight to the point.

Whereas clean, melodic vocals were occasionally used on the last release, here, they are employed on a more liberal basis, forming an effective juxtaposition with MacGregor’s gravelly delivery, which is where the new front man truly makes his presence within the band felt. There is also more variation in regards to lyrical content, with the Scotsmen moving away from fantasy themes in order to deal with realistic topics ranging from the theory of humanity being a brutal, destructive force, to the Highland Clearances (an infamous chapter of Scottish history), to making choices and coping with the struggles that life can bring.

Overall, by being more collaborative, and doing a better job of fusing together elements of groove, thrash, and death metal, CATALYSIS are able to give the listener a release that is more compelling and coherent, also showing the positive progression they have made as a band this past year, and should enable them to continue their ascendancy up the ladder of the British underground metal scene.

Rating: 7/10

Catalysis is set for release on December 14th via self-release. 

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