Catalysis - “It’s not about telling people what to think, but it is about saying these things matter to us."

There’s a point where a band either folds under pressure or comes back sharper than before. For CATALYSIS, it was never really a question of which direction things would go, just how quickly they could pull it together. 

Their latest EP, Serpentine, lands as the clearest statement yet of what the band is now. Not a continuation of what came before, but something more intentional, more defined, and, crucially, more reflective of the people currently in the room. “We’re not new guys anymore,” vocalist Andrew Downie explains. “This is the first time with the new lineup that we’ve really been able to go, right - this is the CATALYSIS sound.”

That sense of identity has been hard-earned. The band’s current lineup came together under circumstances that, on paper, don’t usually lead to long-term success. A sudden departure, a rushed set of upcoming shows, and a vocalist who initially only expected to step in for a single performance. Instead, Andrew found himself learning an entire set in a matter of weeks, with the band’s future hanging in the balance. “I woke up to a text saying, ‘by the way, you’re the vocalist now,’” he recalls. What followed could have easily been a slow fade-out, but instead turned into a rapid rebuild.

Within weeks, a new lineup had formed. Pulled together through long-standing friendships, chance conversations, and a shared willingness to keep things moving. It’s a dynamic that still defines the band now, both on and off stage. “We’re basically just a bunch of friends hanging out,” Andrew says. “Band practice is half rehearsal, half therapy session.” That chemistry feeds directly into Serpentine, which marks a shift away from the more transitional themes of its predecessor. Where The Only Way Out Is Through was rooted in rebuilding and pushing forward, the new EP leans fully into the band’s identity, and particularly their politics. “CATALYSIS has always been quite an angry band,” Andrew explains, “but now it’s more focused. It’s about the things that genuinely frustrate us.”

That anger isn’t vague or abstract, either. It’s pointed, intentional, and unapologetic. While the band stops short of turning every show into a lecture, their stance is clear: whether that’s tackling systemic issues, calling out political hypocrisy, or amplifying causes they believe in. “It’s not about telling people what to think,” he says. “But it is about saying ‘these things matter to us’. And if you feel that too, then you’ll connect with it.” 

That approach extends into how CATALYSIS approach releasing music. Rather than having long gaps between full-length projects, the band have settled into a rhythm of shorter EPs and staggered singles, keeping things moving without losing momentum. “We’d rather write a few songs, put them out, and then do the same again a year later,” Andrew explains. “It keeps things fresh for us, and it means people aren’t just waiting around for ages for something new.” In practice, though, that approach doesn’t always guarantee an immediate reaction. The first track to arrive from Serpentine, Tremors,  landed during a quieter period for the band, without the usual run of shows to back it up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsct8GIlMo4

“We put it out and then didn’t really gig anywhere,” Andrew says. “So it just kind of sat there. It felt like nothing was happening.” But, as the rest of the EP began to roll out, that changed. By the time Serpentine arrived in full, the response had caught up - both online and in the room at shows, where the newer material had already started to find its footing. Even then, some of the biggest moments came from unexpected places. “There’s a track called Futile that we didn’t think would be the standout,” he adds, “but it just keeps coming up, on streaming, at gigs, everything.”

It’s a moment that highlights one of Serpentine’s biggest strengths: its range. The EP pulls together different writing styles and influences from across the lineup, resulting in something that feels cohesive without being predictable. “There’s more input from everyone now,” Andrew notes. “Different styles coming together in a way that just… works.” 

That collaborative energy extends beyond the studio and into the band’s live schedule, which is set to keep them busy throughout the coming months. A run of UK festival appearances sits alongside some long-awaited international shows in Spain, which quite literally have been years in the making. “It’s been in the works for about three years, so the fact it’s actually happening now - it still doesn’t feel real.” The run kicks off with dates in Dalías and Granada, before bringing the band back to the UK for appearances at Slayfest in Norwich and Call of the Wild in Lincoln. From there, the summer continues with slots at Aberdeen Metalfest, Hammerdown, Northants Rocks, and Big Jimmy Mania in Glasgow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPpPAoX-7oo

For a band that thrives on the live environment, it’s exactly where they want to be. Even if some of those sets come with their own challenges. “We’ve got an 11am slot at Call of the Wild,” Andrew laughs. “So we’ll be playing to a crowd of hungover people who’ve just crawled out of their tents. That’s going to be… interesting.” Still, it’s all part of the experience. The band’s approach to touring is as considered as their songwriting, deliberately paced and built around maintaining the dynamic that’s made this lineup work. “We always travel the day before. It costs more, but it keeps things stress-free. And we all actually like spending time together, which helps!”

Stability isn’t something CATALYSIS take for granted, particularly given how quickly things could have gone the other way for them. So, instead of slowing down, they’ve leaned fully into it: writing constantly, building momentum, and already looking ahead to what’s next. “There’s no real downtime,” Andrew says. “As soon as one thing’s done, we’re onto the next.” Looking ahead, that next step may well tie into a significant milestone for the band, with their 10-year anniversary approaching. While plans are still taking shape, the idea of bringing past and present members together for a celebration is already on the table, making it a full-circle moment for a band that’s been through more than most. “Regardless of what we end up doing, it’s definitely going to be a big celebration of CATALYSIS.”

For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Serpentine and everything that comes with it. It’s a release that doesn’t just mark a new chapter, but a turning point where everything clicks back into place. After everything CATALYSIS have navigated to get here, that clarity feels well deserved.

Words: Zuzanna Pazola