Exclusive Interview: Catalyst talk writing and recording!

They say that one good turn deserves another, so while we try not to get dizzy after one too many 360’s here’s our second interview with guitarist Philip Pedraza and vocalist Jeroen Van Ranst from Belgian Progressive Melodic Death Metallers Catalyst. This time around we shift from talk of their February released six track EP “Catalyst II” to what goes in behind the scenes as they write and record and with new material in the works with new drummer Sam Bogaert (ex-Dead end Path, ex-Oceans Burning) in the fold, it all makes perfect sense…

What did you learn from the recording sessions for the first Catalyst EP that made the subsequent trio of singles easier to create? “Everyone in the band already had studio experience. Still, it usually takes a while for everyone to become well-adjusted to each other. When we started out, we thought there were only 2 ways to get better results in the studio: play tighter and pay more money. Meanwhile we have learned that it’s equally important for everyone to do their thing in function of the songs ánd to enjoy the process while they’re at it. Also, the band and producer need to have that connecting chemistry. This time, we went with a young and talented producer in Brussels, Andre Six, with whom we were very satisfied”

How does the writing process of a new Catalyst track start? Melody, riff or rhythm first? “Catalyst is a melodic riff-based band. So the guitarists set most of the outlines. Usually Philip (lead guitar) creates the blueprint, although other passages clearly get Aäron’s stamp. In addition, I personally pay a lot of attention to the vocal lines. The vocal diversity is a crucial part in the band, with increasing input from Benjamin for the backing vocals these days as well…”

If you could bring a guest into the studio with you, who would you like to work with? “We definitely look up to some musical centipedes from the international music scene such as Steven Wilson and Devin Townsend, or musicians who can also deliver a unique vocal performance like Michael Akerfeldt, Brent Hinds or Phillip Cope (Kylesa). I don’t know how chill those guys are to work with, but certainly they could add their signature to a track in a cool way. That being said, it makes much more sense to look closer to home. The Belgian scene is also teeming with talent. If I had to pick someone, I would go for Pieter-Paul Devos (Raketkanon) for his creativity and producing skills. Thijs Teuwen’s (Thurisaz) black metal screams wouldn’t be out of place on our harder tracks either”

“Debt To The World” has a brilliant solo in it; how do you go about getting the balance right in your songs? Have you ever listened to a demo and decided that a solo or breakdown section was too long or too short? Who has the final say? “Philip would say that a solo is never too long. Fortunately, the others sometimes beg to differ. However much it hurts sometimes as a musician to delete certain passages, the song has to be balanced in the end. We want every song to have maximum impact, to which end an impressive or emotional guitar solo can have an important contribution. Conciliating different opinions is not always easy, but it does lead to a result that is supported by the whole band. We have found a smooth workflow that works well for us: recording the pre-production in Ableton allows for a process in which everyone has a say. A new project is synchronized online, so everyone can do their thing comfortably at home. At rehearsals we physically link back and discover what also works in a live setting. This way of working is pretty efficient and allows us to maximize our physical playing time together”

For us gear nerds out there, can you tell us what you’re using gear wise (pedals, strings, drums etc) to get your sound? “We had a lot of help from our producer Andre Six in the studio to obtain our tone. The rhythmical guitar parts were done on an LTD EC-1000, for the more melodic riffs, we mainly used an ESP Horizon NTII and for solos we used a Horizon NTII and a Horizon FRII. The bass was recorded with an Ibanez SRFF800. And for the drums, the songs were played on an electronic drumkit by Jannes, our former drummer. By doing this, we could save some money and precious time in the studio. As for our live shows, we use Axe FX (FXII and FM3) for the guitars and Benjamin uses the ‘two notes-le bass’ pedal together with a cab sim pedal to get his specific live sound. From now on Sam’s Tama (all birch shell) will be used for gigs and future recordings”

What difference would it make to you as a band if you could land an endorsement from a gear manufacturer? “Oh, but we already have one! Didn’t you see the new Line 6 Catalyst Combo’s passing by recently? Hahaha, we are just waiting for a call from Line 6 to come over and make our signature edition. And besides that? Philip has been playing ESP for over 15 years. To make a guitar together one day would be a childhood dream come true.”