Cataclysmic / Ava Toton

Cataclysmic is a teenage duo nu-metalcore band created by Ava Toton (CA) and Derek Romero (TX) in early 2025.

Ava and Derek are both mentored by Monte Pittman (Ministry, Madonna), and he recommended they collaborate on a project together.

Ava and Derek are influenced by bands such as Thrown, Spiritbox, Loathe, Periphery, Alpha Wolf, HEAVENSGATE, fromjoy, and Kublai Khan.

Ava Toton is a 16-year-old guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer carving her path in metal music. Picking up a guitar at five and writing and releasing original songs before she was a teen, she’s grown from a young virtuoso into a boundary-pushing artist with a raw, uncompromising sound.

After two solo EPs, followed by two singles, she co-founded Cataclysmic with fellow guitarist Derek Romero, and their debut single Death is Just a Doorway dropped in July 2025.

Her latest solo tracks, Decay and Phoenix (released September 2025), mark her heaviest music yet, showcasing her evolution as both artist and producer.

Derek, 15, is a passionate guitarist who began playing in 2021. He began his journey in music as a member of a metal band, where he spent two years honing his skills and gaining invaluable performance experience.

Throughout the years, he showcased his talent at various festivals in Austin and performed at numerous venues throughout the city and the surrounding areas, as well as in New York and Ontario.

Beyond performing, Derek is also a gifted songwriter and music producer, dedicated to creating original compositions that resonate with audiences. His commitment to his craft and dynamic stage presence continue to make him influential.