Album Review: Catalysis – Connection Lost (Self Released)

Catalysis is a 5-piece metal band from Dundee, Scotland. Formed in late 2016, the band have released 2 studio EPs, ‘Into the Unknown’ (2017) and the self-titled follow-up (2018). The self-titled EP was mixed and mastered by Death Metal legend Mendel bij de Leij (ex-Aborted) and received very positive reviews upon release.

In 2019, the band completed their first European tour, including a show at the Agressive Music Festival in Czech Republic. The band are now building up the release of their debut album, ‘Connection Lost’, which is being self-released on 24/07/2019. This album consists of 12 tracks with the aim to showcase everything that this band has to offer, whether it be matured song writing or relentless slabs of groove laden aggression. This album was also mixed and mastered by Mendel bij de Leij, and features guest guitar solos from Phil Demmel (Vio-Lence, ex-Machine Head) and Joey Radziwill (Sacred Reich).

Getting the pit open from the start, Catalysis come out with all guns blazing with a wicked opener in the form of Conquer and Devour. A track that has the meanest of death metal groove running through it like a bulbous vein. It’s bloody brilliant.

Talking of brilliance and throwing in the desire to head-bang like loon, Catalysis continue to impress with Devils in the Panic Room and Drowning in My Head. Tracks that call to the angry metal head in all of us.

The rage within Catalysis only seems to abate somewhat with the drop in tempo on Brother. Although the punchy title track that came before and the intense beast that is Just Turn Back after makes it stand out all the more. Variety in the death metal band’s groovy sound.

Is it needed? Not when you get metal that is being spat out by such a top quality band. A Bridge Too Far, City of the Dead and Reborn delivering classy melodies alongside epic guitar solos and furious death metal meatiness.

Happily, Catalysis’ brand of heaviness doesn’t get old. Even as we reach the twilight portion of the album. The neck might be tiring from the constant head- banging but Sentinel and Tomb for the Torn give just enough of a burst to carry on.

Before this fantastic debut wraps up with a bit of an oddity and epic in one. A Version Of the Truth showing off spoken words amongst an expansive effort with plenty of that recognisable groove. Different but interesting.

Catalysis – Connection Lost Full Track Listing:

1. Conquer and Devour
2. Devils In The Panic Room
3. Drowning In My Head
4. Connection Lost
5. Brother
6. Just Turn Back
7. A Bridge Too Far
8. City Of The Dead
9. Reborn
10. Sentinel
11. Tomb For The Torn
12. A Version Of The Truth

Catalysis Links

Facebook | Big Cartel | YouTube