Photo by Charlie Baron

Vocalist Alex Erian speaks to Zombitrol Productions

It’s now been over a decade since Montreal’s Despised Icon helped define the deathcore genre, and the sound has gone through several transformations since their breakup in 2010. Much of the change has arguably been for commercial reasons, so it’s refreshing that in their position as co-creators of the genre, Despised Icon’s first album since their reunion is a back-to-basics affair. The Juno-nominated Beast is a solid slab of Montreal deathcore that hearkens back to their second album, 2005’s The Healing Process.

I met up with Erian before a set at Toronto’s Lee’s Palace to talk about the circumstances that led to the band’s reunion, and why despite their other commitments (including Erian’s job fronting the band Obey The Brave), they are able to make things work this time around. We also chatted about the new album, and why hip-hop may play far less of a role in the band’s music than I had previously thought.

Despised Icon’s Beast is available now on Nuclear Blast Records, and you can watch the video for “Bad Vibes” below. Alex Erian has some upcoming tour dates with Obey The Brave in Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta starting June 1st, and their new album Mad Season comes out the very next day.