We Are the Catalyst – Friction (Self-Released)

We Are the Catalyst have been paving their own way for quite some time. Their latest release is just the most recent example, with them independently releasing a new song every couple of weeks for all of 2023 and into September 2024. Friction nicely bundles up these songs into one release for the average person who may not have had them on their radar within the modern metal realms.

Continuing to fit nicely into their alternative/modern metal description, We Are the Catalyst hit with a groovy, catchy, and energetic combination as you move your way through Friction. It’s an addictive mix that captures elements from metal, rock, industrial, and more, and continues to sit in a position that feels like their own. “Antihero” is a solid introduction, with it’s emphasis on grooves and swirling melodies, while vocalist Cat Fey sits in the front, offering a beautiful voice that feels powerful and confident. “Into Darkness” keeps up the heaviness, going so far as to include some brutal vocals in addition to the usual cleans, also blending some effective bits of electronics and elegance into a a potent, multifaceted track. It’s something that “Parasite” does again later, but with even greater intensity behind it. On the other side of the fence, “My Dreams are Killing Me” stands out as a more gentle and melodic cut, gradually swelling up and providing a soaring chorus. Likewise, “The Awakening” utilizes playful electronics and hook-y riffing to elevate the song to an ethereal quality. Something that the ballad-y closer “In a Vacuum” does to maximum impact, showcasing Fey at her most emotive as the electronics swirl around her.

We Are the Catalyst continue to move forward, doing their own thing. Friction is a celebration of what the band has continued to do, without needing to bend the knee to a label or particular sound. They are nothing if not hard at work, especially given that they have already continued to carry forward with new songs since this album, with “Boiling Point” already released in early 2025. If you like modern metal and haven’t yet discovered them, there’s no better point to tag along for the heavy and melodic ride than now.