The international cinematic/symphonic metal powerhouse Catalyst Crime has returned with a thunderous new offering: their latest single and music video, “Cursebreaker”, now available via Massacre Records. Known for their sweeping orchestral arrangements and metallic intensity, the band continues to push boundaries with a sound that’s as emotionally resonant as it is sonically grand.
At the heart of “Cursebreaker” lies a deeply personal narrative. Vocalist and composer Zoe Marie Federoff (ex-Cradle Of Filth) reveals that the song was inspired by her late mother-in-law, a courageous figure who operated within a resistance network behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia. Translating banned literature into Czech and helping distribute it in secret, she embodied defiance and compassion in equal measure.
“Everything I’ve ever heard paints her as a hero with a golden heart who helped change the world around her for the better — the ultimate ‘Cursebreaker,’” Federoff shares.
Formed in 2017, Catalyst Crime emerged as a creative collaboration between Federoff, drummer Gerit Lamm (Angus McSixx, ex-Xandria), and guitarist Kaelen Sarakinis. They were soon joined by orchestral composer and keyboardist Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze, Aries Descendant), bassist Matt Federoff, and guitarist Chena. Under the production mastery of Alexander Krull (Leaves’ Eyes, Atrocity) at Mastersound Studios in Stuttgart, Germany, the band carved out a signature sound that blends cinematic grandeur with melodic metal might.
Their 2021 self-titled debut album earned critical acclaim, and after a successful European and UK tour with Leaves’ Eyes in spring 2024, Catalyst Crime returned to the studio to begin crafting their second full-length, set to release in spring 2026.
The new single marks a bold step forward for the band. “Cursebreaker” is a soaring power ballad that fuses lush orchestration, impassioned vocals, and intricate guitar work into a stirring anthem of resilience. It’s a testament to Catalyst Crime’s evolution — honouring their symphonic roots while embracing fresh creative energy.
With their upcoming album, Catalyst Crime promises to elevate their genre-defying identity even further. Featuring vibrant orchestral scoring, dynamic compositions, and the revitalised guitar duo of Chena and Sarakinis, the record is poised to be a landmark release. An all-star guest lineup is also on the horizon, adding even more anticipation to what’s shaping up to be a defining chapter in the band’s journey.
Stay tuned — the curse has been broken, and Catalyst Crime is just getting started. Watch the video, which was filmed and directed by Alexander Krull, right below. Link
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"We paused our work as I was grieving heavily, but once we returned to it, things took on a whole new meaning." - LV Darkling
"I'm quite obsessive, and when I work on music, I can overwork and get myself in trouble. I always had a breakdown when I finished an album, because I drove myself to the brink." - Mick Moss
"We were outsiders, and nobody knew what the fuck was going on. We just listened to this extreme music that nobody else liked, and that made us very strong..." - Mikael Stanne
"I think it's basically a mutation of a lot of different things — like a hybrid creature nobody quite knows how to categorise. A heretic, I guess." - Håvard Ellefsen (Mortiis)
