Afterdusk Drops "Catalyst", A Gut-Punch of Heavy Riffs and Raw Emotions
Mobile, AL’s very own modern metalcore crushers Afterdusk are back, and they’re not pulling any punches. Their latest single, Catalyst, is finally here to shake you to your core. This marks their first release since last year’s Dig My Own Grave, and if that track left you reeling, I hope you're ready for another round of sonic devastation. Following their 2022 full-length album FATALIZE, Afterdusk is proving once again why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the modern metal scene.
A Song That Hits Hard—In More Ways Than One
At its core, Catalyst is an unflinching deep dive into the chaos of anxiety and panic disorders. It’s about the exhausting cycle of medication, the uncertainty of treatment, and the desperate search for relief. Front man Matt Boykin puts it best:
“For some, medication is the answer. For others, it’s just another nightmare. When you’re treated like currency instead of a person, hope can feel impossible to hold onto. This song is for them. You’re not alone. You will find your CATALYST.”
What Does It Sound Like?
Imagine a relentless storm of colossal breakdowns, piercing melodies, and lyrics that cut straight to the bone. Catalyst delivers all of that and more. The song’s haunting refrain, “The catalyst—will it lift me up, or hang me out to dry?” embodies the struggle between fighting through or giving in. The track’s crushing intensity mirrors the overwhelming weight of mental battles, making it, in my opinion, one of Afterdusk's most emotionally gripping releases yet.
One major twist? Guitarist Chris Rivera takes a bigger vocal role, owning an entire verse and bridge. Could this signal a new direction for the band’s vocal approach? We’re here for it.
Behind the Scenes – The Making of "Catalyst"
- Co-written with Justin Aufdemkampe (formerly of Miss May I), this track was destined to be heavy-hitting from the start.
- Mastered by Jeff Dunne, known for his work with Fit For A King, Silent Planet, Wage War, and Make Them Suffer—which means it sounds absolutely massive.
- "Catalyst" is just the beginning—Afterdusk is currently wrapping up their second full-length album, expected to drop late 2025 or early 2026.
What’s Next for Afterdusk?
With Catalyst, Afterdusk is proving that they’re not just making music—they’re making statements. This track is a rallying cry for anyone battling their own demons, wrapped in some of the heaviest, most emotionally charged metalcore you’ll hear this year.
The band is gearing up for even more on their upcoming album, so buckle up. If Catalyst is any indication, the next chapter of Afterdusk is going to hit harder than ever. Stream Catalyst now on all major platforms and prepare for the storm to come.
And if you want to witness Afterdusk’s energy firsthand, don’t miss their upcoming show on March 23rd at The Handlebar in Pensacola, FL! They’ll be sharing the stage with Capstan, Colorblind, and Not Enough Space, so get there early and get ready to throw down! TICKETS HERE!