For many extreme music fans, it may be hard to remember a time before DESPISED ICON, given the massive influence they’ve subsequently had on the genre. But when the group formed back in 2002 and released »Consumed By Your Poison« the same year, there was little intersection between the sounds of classic death metal and the brute force of hardcore. The “metalcore” genre had been in full swing for some time and plenty of those bands had experimented with elements of death metal. But DESPISED ICON were among the first to fully embrace the signatures of the traditional death metal formula combined with a relentless bunch of breakdowns, part of an emerging new sound.
DESPISED ICON steadily built a following through hard touring with CRYPTOPSY, SUFFOCATION, IMMOLATION, DEICIDE, MORBID ANGEL, BEHEMOTH, HATEBREED and NAPALM DEATH. The diversity of sounds demonstrated by that list of bands is evidence of DESPISED ICON’s broad appeal. Before too long, a new subgenre bubbled up from the underground, built around bands like DESPISED ICON, SUICIDE SILENCE, ALL SHALL PERISH, CARNIFEX and JOB FOR A COWBOY. Like many genre tags, “deathcore” became something of a controversial and uncomfortable albatross for many of the associated bands at various times. But the impact of what is unquestionably an exciting variation of extreme music is undeniable.
DESPISED ICON now boldly reclaim their legacy without reservation or apology. Since the time of the band’s dissolution - the result of professional burnout, the shifting priorities and responsibilities that come with adulthood and the need for a creative recharge - the group’s members were able to explore different textures with groups like OBEY THE BRAVE and HEAVEN’S CRY. The time apart has only strengthened their resolve when it comes to the purity of what DESPISED ICON means to them as well as to their worldwide fans.
From the savagely unhinged vocals to the inexhaustible pound of the blast beats, DESPISED ICON’s new album is a swift reminder that this band is one of the originators of a powerful movement in extreme metal. The »Beast« is reawakened and ready to rumble. DESPISED ICON is back, ladies and gents, with no frills, no bullshit, and just total power.
Alex Erian (vocals)
Steve Marois (vocals)
Ben Landreville (guitar)
Eric Jarrin (guitar)
Sebastien Piché (bass)
Alex Pelletier (drums)
Yannick St-Amand (sound)
