A couple of years ago now my colleague Lorraine did one of her first reviews for the magazine with an artist called Ava Toton who had just released a single called “Embers” Now, the remarkable thing about this was that Ava was only 13 at the time, and had previously released her debut EP “A.V.A” in 2021 and “Charm School Dropout” (2022). This all began a remarkable rise to rock power for this young guitarist. We can’t possibly cover everything we get sent, but when we spot an artist we have covered from the start, how can we not…!
Let me provide you with the press release for this single,
“Early 2025 marks the explosive debut of Cataclysmic, a fierce new project from two rising stars in the modern metal scene—Ava Toton (California) and Derek Romero (Texas). Brought together under the guidance of acclaimed guitarist Monte Pittman (Madonna, Ministry), the duo delivers a bold first strike with their new single, “Death is Just a Doorway”, now available on all major streaming platforms.
Blending crushing djent and metalcore riffs with shoegaze-inspired choruses, Cataclysmic crafts a sound both aggressive and atmospheric—drawing influence from heavy hitters like Thrown, Spiritbox, Periphery, and Kublai Khan. The result? A relentless track packed with razor-sharp guitars, tight rhythmic progression, and dynamic vocal layering, hailed for its “killer riffs,” “mad breakdown,” and “amazing production.”
Ava Toton, 16, is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who began her journey on guitar at age five. Ava’s experience includes festival appearances, high-profile venues, and a standout spot on America’s Got Talent Season 16.
Derek Romero, 15, started playing guitar in 2021 and quickly established himself as a formidable live performer and songwriter. Having played festivals and venues in Austin, New York, and Ontario, Derek’s passion for heavy music and precision as a producer shine through in every riff and composition.
My review:
The single was released July 25. It is a fast rocket ride of a track as it is all over in 1.50. It is definitely on the heavier side of what we cover here, those growling vocals and distorted heavy guitars, a brief sound explosion of angst; a significant direction change from the earlier material we listened to from Ava. This is an aggressive sound built up from those heavy riffs. It’s a sword in the sand to establish their sound, I hold full judgement until I hear more.
Ava’s leap into this high-intensity metal project shows real commitment to exploring her craft from every angle. Death is Just a Doorway is a short, sharp, and unapologetic statement—one that makes it clear Cataclysmic aren’t here to play nice, they’re here to play loud.
And we hope you liked the review, dear reader! If you did, please check out the other pages of the magazine; we have many great features, merchandise pages, shops, editorials and even a poetry page. Content is free here, but we work hard for you, and to support the magazine, please show your appreciation on the support button below and buy me a coffee!
You can stream music from the duo here
By Stevie Ritson