Catalyst (2018) is a metal band hailing from Belgium, The Land of Waas (BE) with current members living in Hulst (NL), Sint-Niklaas (BE), Lennik (BE).
Their songs inspired by the many political, economical and ecological fears and failures of today’s society.
Extensive Biography
After Philip Pedraza (ex-Sadistic Embrace, ex-Gitaron) and Aäron Onghena (ex-Gitaron) decided to end the Heavy Metal project Gitaron, they decided to keep riffing together. They asked Aäron’s brother Benjamin Onghena (ex-Zonder Zorgen, ex-Kidney Punch) if he was up for playing bass in a new metal project.
After his addition the name CATALYST was chosen and they started riffin’ together. Those riffs became structures and structures became songs.
They decided to go further into this project so they put on an online ad for a drummer. Jannes Lemaitre (ex-Titan, Patroness) applied and joined the band as percussionist.
They then contacted the current vocalist of Monomad, Jeroen Van Ranst, to ask if he was interested in a Progressive Melodic Death Metal Band thus forming the current lineup of CATALYST.
The band released their first 3 songs in 2018. In 2019 CATALYST release Sustainable Dignity and Fear Well, but also the drummer Jannes decided to leave the band. They were looking for a new drummer through online application because of COVID-19 where Sam Bogaert (ex-Dead end Path, ex-Oceans Burning) applied. On the 10th of December 2021 they released Rights of Passage.
Songs were written and plans were made for a full length album to be released over the course of 2023. The album is a semi conceptual collection of songs reflecting on a post pandemic society run by rocketeers.
Where we have been so far:
Ragnarok Live Club, Detonation (Red Penguin), Kinky Star, B52 Music Club, Doel, MCP Apache, Titans Club, JH Reflex, Woundfest (Togenblik), Nefast, ART Vortn Vis, Frietrock, Devilsrock, Kids Antwerp, …
For full list and future shows: link to SHOWS
Jeroen Van Ranst
The Voice
Date of birth : 15-01-89
Started with music at the age of 15
Gear : Shure Wireless Sm58 en Rode M2
Zodiac sign : Capricorn
Shoe size : 44
Character feature : the politician
Grew up listening to : Paradise Lost, Opeth, My dying Bride, Enslaved
Benjamin Onghena
Mr Bass and backing vocals
Date of birth : 17-11-1989
Started with music at the age of 15
Gear : Ibanez SRFF800, Two notes le bass pedal, Crown xls 2502 Power Amp
Zodiac sign : Scorpion
Shoe size : 45
Character feature : so dry
Grew up listening to : Machine head , InFlames, Pantera, Channel zero
Sam Bogaert
The drums
Date of birth : 09-04-80
Started with music at the age of 14
Gear : Drums Tama All Birch Shell+Zildjian cymbals
Zodiac sign : Aries
Shoesize : 44
Character feature : Mr stamina
Grew up listening to : Machine Head, As i lay dying, Bleed from Within, Trivium, Bury Tomorrow, SlipKnot, Heaven shall burn, Times of Grace, Gojira, August Burns Red, Killswitch engage, Unearth, fear Factory
Philip Pedraza
The Leads
Date of birth : 13/01/1989
Started with music at the age of 8
Gear : ESP Horizon NTII, Fractal FM3
Zodiac sign : Capricorn
Shoe size : 42
Character feature : Mr perfect
Grew up listening to : Opeth, Avatar, Wintersun
Aäron Onghena
The rhythms
Date of birth : 15/08/1986
Started with music at the age of 14
Gear : Solar GC1.6C , Fractal Axe-Fx 2XL+
Zodiac sign : Leo
Shoesize : 46
Character feature : Mr big mouth
Grew up listening to : Machine head, Pantera, Lamb of god, InFlames, SOAD, SlipKnot, Heaven shall burn, Gojira, August Burns Red