EP Review: Catalysis – Relicta (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), ‘Catalysis’ (2018) and their debut full-length album ‘Connection Lost’ (2020).

Catalysis is now gearing up for the release of ‘Relicta’ on September 17th, 2021, a new 6 track EP which showcases the band’s sound better than ever before. Relicta covers death, loss and issues with one’s own mental health.

It’s great to get new music from Catalysis, after all we really enjoyed Connection Lost, so a new EP so soon can only be a good thing.

Six tracks long, six tracks of stompy groove metal with a death and thrash flavour. This is the shit that causes carnage in the pit and is guaranteed to get even the most indifferent of metal fans head-banging along. From the punchy aggression of A New Way to Die and its surprisingly melodic chorus to the blistering vehemence of Don’t Look Down and its massive sounding group chant to the battling and bruising hostility of Forgiven Not Forgotten. The first half of the EP is Catalysis bleeding passion and delivering a humongous slab of modern groove heaviness.

The second half isn’t any different happily as Laid to Waste lays *ahem* waste to the field of wannabe try-hards with a thumping bout of viciousness. Catalysis really know how to deliver on the promise of belligerence while infusing their music with touches of melody. Although, The Point of No Return and Exit Loop (Before Expression is False) are as no-nonsense as they get. Both are a wild blast of furious death-centric noise.

A banger of an EP from a band that everyone really should be talking about a lot more.

Catalysis – Relicta Full Track Listing:

1. A New Way to Die
2. Don’t Look Down
3. Forgiven Not Forgotten
4. Laid to Waste
5. The Point of No Return
6. Exit Loop (Before Expression Is False)

Links

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