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

Ava, 16, is a versatile musician whose talents span guitar, vocals, songwriting, and production. She first picked up a guitar at five years old and began formal lessons soon after. At seven, she started studying under Rafael Macedo, spending the past nine years refining her proficiency in multiple instruments, music theory, vocal technique and songwriting. Rafael’s guidance has profoundly shaped Ava’s technical craft and sound.

Before co-founding Cataclysmic with Derek Romero, Ava released two solo EPs: A.V.A. (2021) and Charm School Dropout (2022). She subsequently released two solo singles: Like A Girl (2023) and Embers (2023). Her latest self-produced solo tracks, Decay (2025) and Phoenix (2025), mark her heaviest music yet, showcasing her evolution as both artist, songwriter and producer.

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. Their sophomore single, Entropy, was released in November 2025.

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.