Catalysis

Catalysis is a metal band formed in Dundee, Scotland in 2017.

The band have released 5 EPs as well as 2 albums - 2020’s Connection Lost and 2023’s Betrayer. Connection Lost featured guest appearances from Phil Demmel (ex-Machine Head, Kerry King, Category 7) and Joey Radziwill (Sacred Reich) on the songs ‘Drowning In My Head’ and A Bridge Too Far’ respectively.

Since the start, Catalysis has worked tirelessly to build a reputation as one of the most ferocious live bands on the Scottish scene – this has helped them secure slots at events like Aggressive Music Festival (Czechia), Bloodstock Festival (UK) and Siege of Limerick festival (IE), as well as support slots with acts like Avatar, Sacred Reich, Warbringer, Raging Speedhorn, Lost Society and more. The band also won the ‘Best Metal’ award at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards 2022. 

2024 was a year of highs and lows for the band, beginning the year with a string of successful live dates in support of the Betrayer album, released in December 2023 – including the bands first Irish tour and a slot at the legendary Siege of Limerick Festival. 

In mid 2024, the band faced uncertainty with the sudden departure of long-term vocalist Colin MacGregor, guitarist Sean Ramson and bassist Paul Edwards. Determined to continue and not to lose the momentum they’d worked so hard to build, band founders Drew Cochrane (Lead Guitar) and Calum Rennie (Drums) quickly recruited vocalist Andrew Downie, guitarist Jamie Paterson and bassist Robi Islam, and resumed live performances less than 2 months after the departure of the previous members.

Back to full strength and firing on all cylinders, a freshly reinvigorated Catalysis took no prisoners throughout 2025 – releasing 5th EP “The Only Way Out Is Through” in April, and performing a number of high profile live shows including headlining the Anvinium Metal Festival in Belgium, a short Irish tour and several English runs, as well as shows alongside acts such as Raging Speedhorn and appearances at various festivals including Thrashchester, Aberdeen Metal Fest and more. 

So far in 2026, the band have released their 6th EP, “Serpentine” and performed at festivals across the UK and Europe, including Karnifuria Fest (ES), Call of The Wild, Northants Rocks, Hammerdown and more.