EP Review: Catalysis – Serpentine (Self Released)

Scottish metal band, Catalysis will release their brand-new EP, ‘Serpentine’ on April 17th, 2026.

One of the UK’s most underrated metal bands, Catalysis have put a lot of effort in to spread their name around the UK for about a decade now, and there’s a sense that their hard work is finally paying off. Is it just me, or is there are noticeable buzz surrounding this new release?

It’s success they deserve and all because of hefty, head banging inducing, groove infused efforts like the five tracks we have here. Which might seem a little par for the course with this band, but trust me, they’re sounding more addictive than ever. Delivering a cacophony of glorious, metallised noise courtesy of songs like Tremors, Futile, and the title track. Nothing here messes with their winning formula, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t extra vitriol, a bit more of a stompy edge, and some melodic experimentation, here and there.

It’s all this, and so much more, that is guaranteed to make fans of heavy music froth at the mouth.

Capping it off is Damocles and Deathblow. The former’s heart-racing tempo, thrashy vein, and big anthemic chorus is reminiscent of the likes of Trivium. Who Catalysis do cite as inspiration. Whereas the latter is a feral blast of punchy heavy metal featuring razor sharp riffs, gut-punching drums, and raging vocals.

A tight showcase of their immense power, Serpentine is another top shelf release from a band everyone needs to be paying so much more attention to.

Catalysis – Serpentine Track Listing:

1. Tremors
2. Futile
3. Serpentine
4. Damocles
5. Deathblow

Links

Big Cartel | Facebook | Instagram