Has an intensity and is packed with enough memorable hooks to justify its title.

Anything released on Ferocity Records is going to have a whiff of an air of expectancy. Formed in 2012, the Swedish Alt Metallers We Are The Catalyst have been creating waves in their self-directed passion and enthusiasm. Their debut 'Monuments' appeared in 2014 followed by their first live show in 2015, typical of the band's progression as they've wasted no time in mounting their bid for world domination.

The new album promises to be darker, heavier and more emotional yet still with their trademark modern melodic sound. The opening track and first single 'Delusion' explodes from the blocks – a combination of a battering of drums, growling vocals topped off with Cat Fey's potent and passionate singing; it is easy to see why that voice is being heralded as the jewel in the band's crown. The thought springs to mind that if the rest of the album is as good, then 'Elevation' is going to be simply fantastic. While 'A Million Claws' similarly provides a sharp follow-on, it's always going to be hard to maintain such an opening intensity.

As a choice of single 'Open Door' is a fairly safe pick; mid-paced without threatening to scare anyone off, more likely pull in fans of some of the Female-Fronted Symphonic and Melodic Rock fans. A gambling man might even put good money on 'One More Day' – as catchy as a Velcro strap - as the next single. Typically, the album continues to maintain the blend of elements which incorporate enough melodic sweet spots yet remaining heavy in the combination of gruff and clean vocals. There are moments of atmospheric respite while with the threat of a mid-album lull, 'Alive' picks up that opening impetus of 'Delusion'.

Eleven tracks in forty minutes, it fits the bill of an old fashioned, two-sided vinyl album length with a set of short and immediate songs, just one song lasting over four minutes. More accessible than maybe initially anticipated, We Are The Catalyst have a couple of aces up their sleeve and have played a canny game. 'Elevation' sits in a field which is starting to get very densely populated yet it has an intensity and is packed with enough memorable hooks to justify its title.

Mike Ainscoe