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January 1998
Within weeks, first single "Cemetery Dreams" rises to the top of
the singles charts. Unlike previous albums, Trent explains that there are no
overbearing themes to Pentagram: "It's just a straight-ahead rockin'
metal album, with songs that start on one plateau, then crash down on you with a
crescendo of riffs and melodies, then transport you to another plateau, then a
reciprocally different set of riffs and crescendos pull you back down to another
level, with similar plateaus, and without a lush harmony in sight."
More singles follow, including "The Immortal" and
"Angela". Derek describes the EP as "a cleansing process, whereby
I finally put aside my emotional baggage involving my disastrous love affairs
and just unleashed the buried music from my childhood idols. I sort of consider
this album as a homage to my musical mentors, the influences that inspired me to
pick up a bass." A week later, Pentagram is certified quadruple
platinum in the U.K. alone.
February 1998
Still buzzing from their unbridled success last month, Catalysis immediately
capitalize on the world's undivided attention and return to the studio,
releasing their sixth EP in record time. Despite the godlike status they
currently occupy in today's modern pop culture, Children Of A Lesser God
quickly draws negative criticism, particularly from the Hollywood community.
Though Derek and Trent were repeatedly warned of infringing on copyright laws by
using the movie title Children Of A Lesser God as their album name, the
duo decided to go ahead with it anyway. When approached by Catalysis, Hesper
Anderson and Mark Medoff, writers of the Oscar-winning movie, were appalled by
what the lyrical content of the EP is supposed to signify in accordance with
their movie title. "I've never liked heavy metal or any music against the
norm," Anderson states, "I find it disgusting and repulsive. How dare
they approach us and ask to use our title!"
But the metal duo remains persistent. Says Trent: "Fuck 'em. We take
what we want." Catalysis's next move is to approach Paramount and make an
offer for the exclusive rights, which are estimated at 1.2 million U.S.
Derek was rather jubilant and amused by the recent controversy. "It was
pretty quiet there for a while. Now it's just like old times."
March 1998
Former P.R.H. guitarist Gus Siewert and ex-Crash Alley drummer Steven Seth
become official members of Catalysis.
Upon receiving the call to join Catalysis, Gus says, "I still hate
Derek's guts, and I hate his voice, but he plays good bass, so I'll endure the
bloody hardships, plus I love my fans. UP YOUR ARSES 'KIN 'ELL! BOLLOCKS!"
Psyched that the guitar force would now be powered up quite a few notches, Gus
adds, "Mrrrrrhhhuuhhh, yaay guy, I was ecstatic when Derek and Trent
approached me with the opportunity to join the band. Not only that, but to be
given the opportunity to play lead was more than an honor. The guys have a lot
of faith in me, I respect them for that."
Steven's initial reaction to receiving the call to duty was somewhat in a
similar vein: "Meah you know, it just came to me one day while watching The
Price is Right - what the hell am I doing with my life? I hate the married life
and I miss life on the road."
It doesn't take much to figure out that with the new member lineup, Catalysis
is going straight for the jugular. The band have moved their equipment and will
be rehearsing at Ice-Pik Studios, north of Montreal. Derek clarifies,
"Yeah, this studio, which was built under Steve's house, really is state of
the art compared to where we have previously practiced. It's even got a pool
table."
Trent adds: "It's much bigger and we got more room to maneuver. We
really get a live sound while rehearsing. The acoustics are really good in
there." The new band has assembled a kick-ass set of classic Catalytunes to
provoke the fans worldwide into a frenzy of overwhelming anticipation. The new
musical wave the band will produce is being kept tightly under wraps, but one
thing is certain: when Catalysis strikes again, the world will know it.
April 1998
Their contract with Catacomb Records now expired after six landmark EPs, the
newly formed Catalysis begin fielding offers from several high-profile big-name
labels interested in working with the quartet. Meanwhile, the band pair off in
twos and head for a worldwide promotional tour.
May 1998
With tentative touring plans moving along as scheduled, Steven, in the
meantime, finds new love - Gina Marilena - during a promotional stop in
Vancouver.
June 1998
On the brink of global super-stardom and an impending tour of epic
proportions, Catalysis inexplicably part ways. Although the breakup was
apparently rumored to have involved an alarming nervous breakdown from Trent, as
well as Steven's sprouting emotions for his new ladyfriend and escalating
frustration toward the music industry in general, the band remains adamant in
their denial of said events. Says Gus: "Guy, t'was a rough time for the
'ole lot o' us."
Derek adds, "No comment."
Weeks later, Trent is entirely in seclusion without a clue as to his elusive
whereabouts.
 July 1998
With the sudden mysterious disappearance of co-founder Trent, the three
remaining members of Catalysis (Derek, Gus and Steven) take it upon themselves
to continue with the group as a trio under a different moniker - Dialysis.
Intense practice sessions at Ice-Pik's rehearsal studios get under way.
Steven's latest conquest, Gina, moves to Montreal in a futile attempt to be
closer to the disillusioned drummer, causing a growing distance between him and
fellow bandmates Derek and Gus.
Mid-July 1998
Dialysis record a seven-song demo, Life Support, featuring three
Catalysis ditties from the famed Abel/Cain era - "Deception",
"Illusion" and "The Immortal" - as well as four covers -
Billy Idol's "White Wedding", The Gathering's "Strange
Machines", Iron Maiden's "The Trooper" and Black Sabbath's "N.I.B."
A full scale Life Support Tour is expected next month.
Gus, meanwhile, tries to convince Derek and Steven to hire a new lead singer,
to alleviate some of the burden from Derek so he can concentrate on his 4-string
duties.
Auditions for a lead singer don't get very far. They meet with a prospective
vocalist, Jean Donovan, at a local bar in the Plateau Mont-Royal area, a
favorite hangout of Gus and Derek's. An ordinary looking man in his mid-30s,
with a cast protecting his broken arm, the band decides this guy is not for
them. Future meetings/auditions are cancelled due to the forthcoming tour.
August 1998
Trent Cain resurfaces after a two month absence, revealing his decision to
retire from the music industry and follow his dream of raising a family with his
new fiancée, Ann Wachowski.
Derek released this official statement that month concerning the retirement
of his Catalysis co-founder and longtime music partner: "I was a little
saddened to hear of the news at first. Me and Trent started this whole trip back
in 93. We've grown together during the years as musicians and friends, recording
eleven successful EPs and establishing the groundwork for this band as a major
industry player. But I'm not one to disrespect someone's life choices. We know
how hard it is to be a full fledged member of the hardest working rock band in
the industry, and maintain a normal family life at the same time. Trent wants to
settle down and start a family, and we're cool with that. There's no regrets or
animosity here. He has our full support, and we wish him the best of luck."
Mid-August 1998
Derek's frustration toward the music industry and toward life in general
reaching its boiling point, he decides to cancel touring plans and puts an end
to the band. He was reported to have left the continent and taken up with the
Buddhist monks in the mountains of Tibet.
Steven decides to devote himself to his relationship with live-in girlfriend
Gina Marilena.
Gus falls into a massive depression and contemplates jumping in front of a
speeding subway train.
September 1998
Steven's short-lived relationship with Gina comes to an end. Days later she
moves back to Vancouver, leaving the drummer befuddled. Steven comments, "Fuckin'
bitch." To which he later adds: "What the fuck do these bitches
want?!? Huh? Please tell me, 'cos I'm fuckin' lost!" This leads him onto a
string of endless sexual flings with various models and groupies that threatens
his relationship with the rest of the band.
Gus, meanwhile, builds a new studio in his basement - Brilliant Studios - and
concentrates on producing local bands as a means to stay busy and stay in the
"game".
No one has heard from or seen Derek in weeks.
October 1998
Derek emerges from seclusion, smelling of trash and sporting a grizzly
six-week beard. "I needed time alone," the bassist states.
Steven, meanwhile, is confronted by his concerned family and friends and
decides to seek help for his uncontrollable sex addiction.
 November 1998
Gus receives a call from EMI Records, displaying an interest in signing the
group only if they agree to re-unite and tour. Gus sends the word out to Steven
and Derek, successfully pursuading them to get together to record a new album. A
call is also placed to former Nightowls and P.R.H. vocalist Danny George, last
seen milling around the Jacques Cartier Bridge, to join the group and sing on
the forthcoming record.
Trent Cain, getting wind of their recent reunion and sparked by their
enthusiasm, shuns his home life and approaches the guys to re-join the band. The
decision is unanimous.
The newly re-united five-piece Catalysis (singer Danny George, bassist Derek
Abel, guitarists Gus Siewert and Trent Cain and drummer Steven Seth) sign on
with Capitol Records in the U.S. (EMI in the rest of the world) and head off on
a small warm-up tour, where they record their infamous Maiden cover "Where
Eagles Dare" at a sold-out gig in Naples, Italy.
December 1998
The band enters Brilliant Studios to begin the recording for their new
breakthrough album.
Mid-December 1998
The band is handed an early Christmas present as the label signs them on to
Sanctuary Management (headed by renowned Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood) and
hires abandoned manager Rav Reeve to serve as the official Catalysis manager.
EMI also supplies the group with the stylish expertise of Mexican attorney Jesus
Quintanilla as their legal representation.
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