It’s a bittersweet moment for Katastro as they release their final album Until the End of Time—an album deeply shaped by loss, perseverance, and the love of music. Following the tragic passing of frontman Andy Chaves in 2022, the three remaining members—Ryan Weddle (bass), Tanner Riccio (guitar), and Andrew Stravers (drums)—poured their hearts into completing the project. Now, with the October 4th release date here, the emotions are complex.
“We’ve been working on this for two years, and honestly, it’s been the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do as a band,” said Stravers, reflecting on the intense process of finishing the album without Chaves. “It’s definitely bittersweet, but I’m really excited for people to hear all the work we’ve put into this.”
The Healing Power of Music
For Katastro, creating Until the End of Time was both a cathartic and necessary experience. “The last couple of years, we were used to going on tour all the time,” Riccio explained. “But when Andy passed, we had to switch gears and focus on finishing the album. It became the thing that helped us get through the grief.”
The album is filled with the echoes of Chaves’ voice and spirit, particularly on the track “Muse,” which is the only song on the album that Andy himself heard. “Muse was literally the only song that Andy got to sign off on,” Stravers shared. “But we kept him in mind with every song we worked on. Every time we finished a track, we’d ask, ‘Would Andy fuck with this?’ If the answer was no, it wasn’t gonna happen.”
The band took care to honor Chaves’ legacy not only through the music but also in the decision-making process, ensuring that his input remained integral.
“We’ve done every decision as a band together, and we always had the same vision in mind,” Weddle added. “It wasn’t just about the songs we wanted to create but about making something that Andy would be proud of too.”
Features = Family
The album’s features are a reflection of the strong friendships the band has built over the years. The artists who contributed aren’t just collaborators—they are part of the Katastro family. Notable features include Slug from Atmosphere, who was a hero to Chaves. “Andy would have freaked out knowing Slug was on the album,” Weddle recalled. “It’s wild that we never got to tell him about it, but I know he’d be stoked.”
The collaborative spirit of the album runs deep, with other guest appearances from artists like Jared Watson and Duddy B. of Dirty Heads, Artikal Sound System, and Iration. But beyond their musical contributions, these artists were there for the band during some of the darkest times.
“When Andy passed, the Dirty Heads were in the studio with us,” Riccio said. “They and other friends really showed up for us, and I think you can hear that in the songs.”
Looking Forward
As Katastro prepares for their two-night album release party at the Marquee Theater in Tempe, Arizona—where their journey began—the band is keeping the focus on celebrating Chaves and the incredible body of work they’ve created together. “The first night will be more of a throwback kickback, just like old times,” Stravers shared. “But the second night is where we’re really going to try something new.”
That “something new” involves live music, pre-recorded vocals from Chaves, and an intimate celebration of Katastro’s journey and the community they’ve built. “This show is about celebrating Andy, this album, and everything we’ve accomplished as a band,” Weddle emphasized. “We want it to be a unique experience for our fans, many of whom have supported us through everything.”
Though questions about Katastro’s future remain, the band is committed to taking things one step at a time.
“For now, this album is our focus, and we need to celebrate it,” Riccio said. “We’re not making any decisions beyond that right now. We’ll see what happens after this.”
For Katastro, Until the End of Time is more than just a final album. It’s a tribute to their brother, a testament to their resilience, and a love letter to their fans.
And while the future may be uncertain, one thing is clear: the music and the legacy of Katastro will endure.
Katastro’s album release party for Until the End of Time will take place October 25th and 26th at the Marquee Theater in Tempe, Arizona. Fans can expect a night filled with nostalgia, celebration, and the spirit of Andy Chaves living on through the music.
