Catalyst Crime – Catalyst Crime

Catalyst Crime are a relatively new band on the symphonic metal circuit, helmed by Pyramaze keyboardist Jonah Weingarten and Cradle Of Filth’s female vocalist Zoe Marie Federoff, who possesses a very sweet voice that goes a long way towards selling the cracking tunes that make up this uber-polished debut. There’s nothing particularly original to be found here; this is an album that plays up to the conventions of the genre without innovation, but you can tell they mean it, so at least it comes across as sincere acndsdnd, dare I say it, rather fun. I’d say the touchstone for this band is Epica during their more commercial moments, as the hooks are sharp and delivered well by Zoe, who sounds a little like Simone, anyway. Other than that, you get some of the instrumental complexity you find in newer bands such as Ad Infinitum, not to mention their penchant for throwing in the odd growled vocal, as well as some older Nightwish, when they still played power metal. It all makes for a very smooth experience that nonetheless keeps you on your toes.