Released a fortnight ago, Innova is the latest EP from Dundee’s Catalysis. It’s a gnarly beast, a big sounding 23 minute five-track release that is perfectly timed for the band’s appearance on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock Open Air on Friday 12th August. With three EPs and one full-length album under their belts, Innova shows a maturity and confidence that provides instant understanding as to why the band took the Scottish Metal to the Masses final by storm.
Sonically bruising, their sound is one giant boot stomp to the face. Massive riffs, undulating groove and ferocious vocals that roar and rage their serious lyrical messages. It starts calmly enough, with an atmospheric build up that quickly transforms into a massive and explosive opener; “Before the Fall” sets out the band’s style and approach immediately. It’s savage, in-your-face and at times fiercely aggressive. Yet there’s a catchy element to Catalysis’ sound. Elements of Machine Head, Sylosis, Slipknot, Devildriver, and Chimaira all spring to mind.
“Shadow Parasite” continues the piledriving assault, a track that should have pits spinning in that tent at BOA. The aural abuse that the band spit out is vicious, and although the band aren’t reinventing the wheel at any time, they use their influences well, blending them with their own stamp to create distinctive, punishing songs. The beatings continue with the pure rage of “Arise Alive,” where the vocals move to a more death metal style despite the slower, crushing riffage that the band adopt as default. The riffs are thick, heavy, and intense.
If you like what we do, consider ing us on Patreon for as little as £1 per month!
Two further songs complete the EP. There’s a definite hardcore stomp to these, with final song “Death Grip” going full Hatebreed. It’s an interesting change of style which doesn’t impact on either the enjoyment or the ferocity of the pummelling distributed. The combination of shouted lyrics and a more death growl work surprisingly well whilst there is some clean and refined lead guitar that impresses.
Innova isn’t going to appeal to all. There’s a clear section of the metal community that this will appeal to whilst those who eschew the big chugging riffs are likely to walk on by. Hopefully that appearance at Bloodstock can change a few minds. It’s certainly one to watch on my list for this year.
Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!
Innova is out now
Check out all the bands we review in 2022 on our Spotify and YouTube playlists!
Catalysis: facebook | instagram | spotify | youtube
