We Are the Catalyst

Since their formation in November of 2012, Sweden's We Are The Catalyst have been establishing themselves as one of Europe's most exciting and compelling musical acts.

The members Cat Fey , Kenny Boufadene, Joni Kaartinen and Håkan Strind spent years touring with their former band, the Modern Metal act One Without (sharing bills with Dead By April, Evergrey, Katatonia and more, as well as releasing albums on Lifeforce Records and other labels) and have channeled their skills and passion into We Are The Catalyst.

After doing their first live show in March of 2015, the band embarked on a 10 day tour of China, being specially invited to perform at the prestigious “Sound of the Xity” music expo in Beijing, as well as playing stand-alone shows and Chinas biggest music festival “Strawberry Festival” in Shanghai, where WATC headlined the “Planet Stage”.

In June of 2015 WATC won first prize in a competition organized by Metal Hammer, Bloodstock and the Dutch Symphonic Metal band Delain, where the prize was to perform at Bloodstock Open Air, with bands like Trivium, Sabaton, Within Temptation and more, as well as opening for Delain at their Birmingham show on their UK tour. This coincided with WATC doing their first UK headline tour of 13 shows in October/November.

In December WATC returned to the UK for the third time that year, now headlining the second stage at the festival “Planet Rockstock” with bands like The Darkness, FM and Rival Sons.

The band’s debut EP from 2013, Panem Et Circenses, was a critical and fan favorite, earning the band spots on several major soundtracks and video airplay in over 20 countries. Considering their pedigree, this shouldn't come as a surprise.

The debut album, Monuments released in October of 2014, topped everything expected from WATC. Released worldwide by Ferocity Records, it hit harder, it soared higher, and it cut just a little bit deeper. Case in point was their single for "Don't You Worry Child," a blunt assessment of the heartbreaking truths surrounding child abuse in the world and the steps that we can all take to help end this terrible affliction. At the start of the music video for the single none other than talk-show legend Jerry Springer is addressing the viewer with a request to help raise funds, as all profits from the single go to The Fostering Network and helping children in need find loving homes.

With their upcoming album “Elevation”, to be released on September 2nd of 2016, the band are taking their sound to a new level. Darker, heavier and more emotional while still maintaining the WATC trademark melodic modern sound.

UK rock & metal promoter Matt Seddon said of WATC and the upcoming album “Elevation”:

"We Are The Catalyst are a shining light in the rock and metal world right now. It´s rare to find a band who can hook you and captivate you as well as this band do. By combining soaring vocal lines and catchy melodies, We Are The Catalyst have set the benchmark for modern metal bands - providing an intense and awe inspiring listening experience that will have you begging for more. Their new album Elevation is going to take the world by force!"