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Despised Icon

Despised Icon is a Canadian band from , , formed in 2002. The group is renowned for its dual-vocal approach, featuring low guttural growls from Steve Marois and higher-pitched screams from Alex Erian, combined with complex guitar riffs, breakdowns, and relentless blast beats from drummer Alex Pelletier. After achieving recognition in the extreme underground with early releases on labels like Galy Records and Century Media, the band disbanded in 2010 following their final performance in . They reformed in 2014 for reunion shows, permanently reactivating under Records and resuming studio output with the 2016 album . The band's lineup has evolved over time but currently consists of vocalists Steve Marois (2002–2010, 2014–present) and Alex Erian (vocals 2004–2010, 2014–present; drums 2002–2004), guitarist Eric Jarrin (2002–2010, 2014–present), second guitarist Ben Landreville (2009–2010, 2014–present), bassist Sébastien Piché (2002–2008, 2014–present), and drummer Alexandre "Grind" Pelletier (2004–2010, 2014–present). Past members include guitarist Yannick St-Amand (2002–2006, now serving as front-of-house engineer) and bassist Max Lavelle (2008–2010). Despised Icon's discography spans seven studio albums, beginning with the debut Consumed by Your Poison (2002), which established their raw, aggressive sound, and progressing through milestones like The Healing Process (2005), The Ills of Modern Man (2007), and Day of Mourning (2009), the latter peaking at No. 162 on the Billboard 200. Post-reformation efforts include Beast (2016), Purgatory (2019), and the 2022 EP Déterré, culminating in their latest release, Shadow Work (October 31, 2025), featuring guest appearances from vocalists like Matthew Honeycutt of TX and of . As early influencers in —a fusion of and —Despised Icon helped shape the genre's development in the early 2000s alongside bands like , with whom they share close ties through shared members and Montreal's metal scene. Their music often explores themes of , societal critique, and personal turmoil, delivered with technical precision that has earned them a dedicated following in the heavy music community. The band's resilience, marked by their hiatus and return, underscores their enduring impact, with ongoing tours and releases maintaining their status as pioneers into 2025.

History

Formation and early years (2002–2004)

Despised Icon was formed in January 2002 in , , by vocalist Steve Marois, co-vocalist Marie-Hélène Landry, guitarists Eric Jarrin, Alan Glassman, and Yannick St-Amand, bassist Sébastien Piché, and drummer Alex Erian. The band's origins were deeply rooted in the local and scenes, with members emerging from prior projects in groups like , In Dying Days, and Heaven's Cry, and sharing connections to the extreme metal community, including contemporaries such as . Motivated by a desire to explore a heavier, more aggressive sound beyond traditional , the group aimed to blend technical precision with punishing intensity, drawing from the underground energy of 's burgeoning heavy music circuit. In September and October 2002, Despised Icon recorded their debut , Consumed by Your Poison, at Sonogram Studio in , with mixing handled by the Montréal Showbusiness School team. The was independently released on October 2, 2002, via the small Canadian label Galy Records, featuring a raw aesthetic defined by brutal breakdowns and the band's pioneering vocal approach, where Marois delivered deep growls alongside Landry's high-pitched screams. This vocal style was introduced here as a core element, while Alex Erian's technical prowess provided a relentless, complex backbone to the tracks. Accompanying the was a 2002 demo tape, captured during the same sessions, which captured their nascent ferocity and circulated within local circles. In 2004, Alex Erian transitioned to vocals, with Alex Pelletier joining on drums; this solidified the dual-vocal lineup with Erian and Marois. The early years saw Despised Icon focusing on local tours and shows across Canada's underground metal scene, performing in small venues to build grassroots support and hone their live energy. Without major label resources, the band navigated initial challenges through self-promotion via demos, flyers, and word-of-mouth in the DIY community, while striving to maintain lineup stability amid the demands of balancing music with everyday commitments in Montreal's competitive scene. These efforts quickly established their reputation as a formidable presence in Quebec's underground, laying the groundwork for broader recognition.

Breakthrough and Century Media era (2005–2006)

Following the underground success of their debut album Consumed by Your Poison, Despised Icon attracted significant label interest, culminating in a worldwide recording deal with Century Media Records announced on January 11, 2005. The signing came after a competitive bidding war, positioning the band for broader distribution and professional support in the burgeoning deathcore scene. The band's sophomore effort, The Healing Process, arrived on , 2005, via Century Media, marking a step up in production quality under the guidance of guitarist and producer Yannick St-Amand at Studio Victor in . This album introduced a refined sound with enhanced clarity in the mix, while retaining the band's signature dual-vocal assault—now led by Alex Erian (who transitioned from drums to vocals) alongside Steve Marois—over intricate riffs and relentless blast beats. The recording emphasized technical precision and dynamic shifts, solidifying Despised Icon's role as innovators. To promote the release, Despised Icon embarked on extensive North American touring in , including high-profile support slots on packages headlined by Suffocation and featuring , as well as dates with Vader and . These outings extended to their inaugural shows in late 2005 and into 2006, exposing the band to international audiences and rapidly expanding their fanbase within the deathcore and communities. The live performances highlighted the band's evolving vocal interplay, with Erian and Marois delivering contrasting growls and screams that amplified the music's intensity on stage. Critics praised The Healing Process for its blend of brutal technicality and accessible hardcore breakdowns, noting a maturation that made the genre more approachable without sacrificing aggression. Reviews in outlets like Teeth of the Divine commended the album's complex structures and Neuraxis-influenced riffing, hailing it as a for deathcore's potential. This positive reception fueled greater media coverage in metal publications, elevating Despised Icon from regional act to a key player in the mid-2000s landscape.

Peak albums and breakup (2007–2010)

In 2007, Despised Icon released their third studio album, The Ills of Modern Man, on May 22 through Century Media Records. The record showcased the band's evolving technical prowess, featuring intricate and complex guitar riffs layered over their signature blend of death metal and hardcore elements. Lyrically, it delved into social critiques, addressing issues such as corporate greed and the impacts of modern societal ills, including references to war and consumerism. Produced by guitarist Yannick St-Amand, the album's polished sound helped elevate the band's profile within the burgeoning deathcore scene. Following the album's release, Despised Icon embarked on extensive international touring, including a high-profile U.S. run supporting alongside and in September 2007. These performances, combined with appearances at major festivals and European dates, further cemented their reputation as pioneers of , drawing larger audiences and influencing the genre's global spread. Amid these activities, the band experienced key lineup shifts; original guitarist Yannick St-Amand departed in 2006 after contributing to the album's production, with the band continuing with Al Glassman on guitar until 2008. Additionally, longtime Sébastien Piché left in June 2008 to focus on his and new family responsibilities, replaced by Max Lavelle from Goratory. Ben Landreville joined on guitar in 2009. The band's final original-run album, Day of Mourning, arrived on September 22, 2009, via Century Media, marking a darker evolution in their songwriting. The lyrics explored themes of personal and societal decay, including mental deterioration, isolation, and loss—evident in tracks like the title song, which mourns a friend's fading intellect, and others grappling with and societal pressures. With refined production emphasizing heavy, clean tones and dynamic breakdowns, the album refined their while maintaining brutal intensity. By early 2010, mounting personal commitments and creative led to the band's announcement on 7. In their official statement, members expressed gratitude for the eight-year journey but cited the need to pursue individual endeavors after an intense period of recording and touring. Alex Pelletier later elaborated that the decision aimed to end on a high note, avoiding potential internal conflicts or exhaustion. Despised Icon honored their remaining commitments with farewell shows, culminating in their final performance on December 5, 2010, at Club Soda in , , featuring a reunion of select original members for a sold-out hometown send-off.

Reunion shows and reformation (2014–2017)

Following a period of inactivity after their 2010 disbandment, Despised Icon began testing the waters with sporadic reunion performances in 2014 and 2015 to gauge ongoing fan interest. The band announced a limited run of North American shows that spring, including dates in , , , and , marking their first live appearances in years without plans for a full tour or new material at the time. These efforts extended to with additional headline dates and festival slots, such as Impericon Festival, further energizing supporters and demonstrating sustained demand for their signature intensity. In 2015, they continued with select high-profile gigs, including appearances at Ghostfest in and , UK, where the enthusiastic crowds reinforced the viability of a potential return. Buoyed by the positive reception, Despised Icon officially reformed in April 2016, reuniting the core lineup of vocalists Alex Erian and Steve Marois, guitarist Eric Jarrin, bassist Sébastien Piché, and drummer Alex Pelletier. The group signed with Records shortly thereafter, signaling a commitment to new music and sustained activity beyond one-off shows. Guitarist Landreville, who had been a member from 2009-2010, rejoined the fold, enhancing the lineup's rhythmic complexity and precision. The culminated in the production of their comeback album , recorded with longtime collaborator Yannick St-Amand and released on July 22, 2016, via . The effort marked a deliberate return to the band's aggressive foundations, emphasizing brutal breakdowns, dissonant riffs, and dual-vocal ferocity while incorporating refined production to amplify their raw energy. Tracks like the title song and "Bad Vibes" exemplified this resurgence, blending the chaotic elements of their early work with matured songwriting. To rebuild momentum post-release, Despised Icon embarked on extensive touring in 2017, including a co-headlining North American run with , supported by , , , and She Must Burn, which spanned dozens of dates across the U.S. and from March to April. These performances, characterized by high-energy sets drawing from both classic and new material, helped reestablish their live dominance and fanbase connection. Later that year, the band announced and prepared for European headline tours, including stops in , the , and beyond, further solidifying their international presence.

Recent releases and activity (2018–2025)

Following the band's reformation, Despised Icon released their sixth studio album, Purgatory, on November 15, 2019, through Records. Produced by former guitarist St-Amand, the record delves into themes of personal and internal struggles experienced by the members, alongside broader societal challenges, delivered through a more mature and introspective songwriting style that balances brutal intensity with emotional depth. To support Purgatory, the band undertook a North American headlining tour in fall 2019, featuring support acts including Kublai Khan TX, , and Ingested, with dates spanning from to . European activity included performances at festivals like in . However, planned extensions into 2020, amid growing momentum, were severely impacted by the , resulting in widespread cancellations and postponements across the metal touring circuit. In October 2022, Despised Icon issued the EP Déterré on October 28 via , commemorating the band's 20th anniversary by reworking and remastering five early tracks originally recorded in 2004. The release revisits the raw, foundational sound of their pre-debut era, offering polished versions of unreleased demos that highlight the group's bilingual roots with in both English and . Building on this momentum, the band announced their seventh full-length album, , in August 2025, with production handled internally to emphasize raw energy and precision. Released on October 31, 2025, through , the album addresses themes of , , and psychological , rooted in the members' personal experiences amid contemporary . It showcases technical experimentation through giddyingly complex riffs, warp-speed blasts, and symphonic integrations, evolving their foundation while maintaining ferocious heaviness. As of late 2025, Despised Icon continues to tour actively in promotion of , including a fall North American run headlined by with support from and Corpse Pile. The group shows no signs of slowing down, with ongoing shows and no announced plans for disbandment.

Musical style and influences

Core characteristics

Despised Icon is a pioneering in the genre, characterized by its fusion of brutal death metal's aggression and technicality with punk's raw energy, particularly through the incorporation of mosh breakdowns designed to incite intense audience participation. This blend results in a sound that emphasizes relentless speed, heaviness, and rhythmic shifts, distinguishing the band from more straightforward acts. The band's vocal approach features a dynamic duality, with Alex Erian delivering high-pitched, piercing screams that convey urgency and chaos, contrasted by Steve Marois's deep, guttural growls that add layers of menace and depth. This interplay creates a versatile and intense vocal landscape, allowing for emotional escalation within tracks. Instrumentally, Despised Icon's drumming, led by Pelletier, showcases technical prowess through rapid blast beats, intricate double-bass patterns, and incorporation of odd-time signatures that challenge conventional rhythms while maintaining groove. The guitar work complements this with complex, riffs executed via picking and pinch harmonics, eschewing simplistic chugging in favor of intricate structures that enhance the music's brutality and sophistication. Lyrically, the band explores themes of , societal ills, and personal torment, presented with raw intensity that mirrors the music's ferocity and invites reflection on human darkness.

Evolution and influences

Despised Icon's early albums from 2002 to 2007 were deeply rooted in the brutal scene, drawing heavily from bands like Suffocation, whose unconventional riffs and progressive song structures inspired the group's technical complexity and odd time signatures. Cryptopsy's fast-paced, intricate drumming and extreme aggression further shaped their emphasis on technical brutality, while Devourment's slammy grooves and guttural pig squeals added a mosh-friendly heaviness to their sound. As part of Montreal's vibrant metal scene, they shared influences with local acts like , contributing to a distinctly Canadian blend of chaotic elements and unrelenting intensity. During their mid-period from 2007 to 2010, Despised Icon began incorporating hardcore influences from , which introduced catchier mid-range vocals and a sense of controlled brutality that enhanced emotional accessibility without sacrificing aggression. This evolution also pulled from acts like , adding chugging riffs and gang vocals that broadened their appeal and infused deeper emotional layers into the music. Their dual vocal approach, alternating between high-pitched screams and deep growls, remained a core trait, allowing for dynamic interplay that amplified these shifting influences. Following their 2016 reunion, Despised Icon's sound matured in albums like (2019) and (2025), integrating rhythms via early inspirations from Biohazard and progressive flourishes echoing Suffocation's structural innovations, along with textures and elements from the 2020s resurgence, resulting in a more introspective and multifaceted style. Lyrically, they shifted from early critiques of societal ills to explorations of personal madness, vulnerability, and broader social introspection, as seen in 's themes of trials and , evolving further into psychological depth on . This progression reflects a refined balance of their brutal roots with contemporary maturity, solidifying their influence on 's ongoing development.

Band members

Current members

As of 2025, Despised Icon's active lineup features the following members, who have been central to the band's post-reformation output and recent releases like . Steve Marois – vocals (2002–present): Marois delivers the band's high-pitched screams, shrieks, and pig squeals, complementing the dual-vocal dynamic, while contributing lyrics that explore social themes including and . Alex Erian – vocals (2004–present): Erian provides mid-range growls and deeper vocal textures, and has co-produced recent albums such as and alongside bandmates. Eric Jarrin – (2002–present): As the primary , Jarrin crafts the band's technical, aggressive guitar work, including intricate solos and pitch-shifted squeals that define tracks on albums like . Ben Landreville – (2009–2010, 2014–present): Joining in 2009 and rejoining for the 2014 reunion, Landreville adds progressive elements through meter shifts and layered guitar tones, enhancing the band's dynamic structures on releases like Déterré and . Sébastien Piché – bass (2002–2008, 2014–present): Piché anchors the low end with prominent, grinding bass lines that drive grooves and breakdowns, notably audible in the production of and live performances. Alexandre "Grind" Pelletier – (2004–present): Pelletier is renowned for his blistering speed, complex beats, and technical precision, often highlighted as a standout element in the band's intense rhythmic foundation.

Former members

Despised Icon's lineup has evolved significantly since its formation in , with several key members departing during the band's early years and peak period leading up to its 2010 breakup. These changes often reflected the challenges of maintaining a stable roster amid intense touring and recording schedules in the scene. Marie-Hélène Landry was the band's original female vocalist from 2002 to 2003, providing backing vocals that added a distinctive contrast to the dual-male vocal attack on their debut album Consumed by Your Poison. Her contributions helped establish the group's pioneering use of contrasting vocal styles in deathcore. Yannick St-Amand served as a founding guitarist from 2002 to 2006, co-writing material for the band's first two albums and shaping their initial technical death metal-infused sound. After leaving the active lineup, he transitioned to a production role, engineering subsequent releases and maintaining close ties with the band as an unofficial "seventh member." His departure allowed for the integration of new guitarists during the mid-2000s transition period. Al Glassman joined as guitarist in 2006 during the band's Century Media era, bringing additional technical proficiency to the rhythm section. He left in December 2008 to join , prompting a swift lineup adjustment ahead of the 2009 release Day of Mourning. Max Lavelle played bass from 2008 to 2010, contributing to Day of Mourning and supporting the band's final pre-breakup tours. Following the 2010 disbandment, he pursued opportunities with other groups, including a stint with The Black Dahlia Murder starting in 2012. Since the band's in 2014, the core lineup has remained stable with no major departures, enabling consistent output through their recent albums and tours up to 2025. This stability contrasts with the frequent changes of the , allowing returning members like Sébastien Piché to resume their roles without interruption.

Discography

Studio albums

Despised Icon's debut studio album, Consumed by Your Poison, was released on October 2, 2002, through Galy Records. The record consists of 10 tracks, blending raw aggression with brutal breakdowns and dual vocal assaults, including standout cuts like "Compelled to Copulate," "Poissonnariat," and "Grade A-One." It garnered positive underground reception for its unpolished energy and established the band's early sound within the Montreal metal scene, earning an average user rating of 3.0 out of 5 on . The band's sophomore effort, The Healing Process, arrived on April 5, 2005, via . Featuring 9 tracks such as "Bulletproof Scales," "Silver Plated Advocate," and "Immaculate," the album marked a breakthrough with improved production quality and tighter song structures, showcasing refined technicality in drumming and guitar work. Critics praised its polished sound and versatility in vocal delivery, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 on , highlighting it as a pivotal step in the band's evolution. The Ills of Modern Man, released on May 22, 2007, by , contains 10 tracks including "In the Arms of Perdition," "Furtive Monologue," and "Quarantine." This album represented the band's technical peak, incorporating sophisticated elements critiquing societal issues, and achieved commercial success by peaking at number 28 on the Heatseekers chart. It received strong acclaim for its vitriolic intensity and improved composition, averaging 3.4 out of 5 on and positive reviews for its hook-laden aggression. On September 22, 2009, Century Media issued Day of Mourning, a 10-track outing with songs like "Les Temps Changent," "Day of Mourning," and "MVP." The album delved into thematic depth around loss and resilience, emphasizing heavier breakdowns and emotional intensity, and debuted at number 162 on the 200. Reception was mixed, with praise for its energy and recognizable hooks but some criticism for its unrelenting heaviness, earning a 3.3 out of 5 average on . Following a , Despised Icon returned with on July 22, 2016, through Records. The 10-track album, featuring "The Aftermath," "Inner Demons," and "Bad Vibes," delivered a high-energy comeback rooted in classic ferocity with modern production. It debuted at number 63 on the Top Current Albums , reflecting strong . Acclaim focused on its relentless drive and reunion momentum, with a 3.1 out of 5 rating on . Purgatory, the sixth studio album, was released on November 15, 2019, by . Comprising 11 tracks such as "Purgatory," "Light Speed," and "Snake in the Grass," it explored introspective themes amid blistering riffs and breakdowns. The record earned strong critical scores, including a 90 out of 100 from critics, for its emotional depth and production by former member St-Amand. Users rated it 3.3 out of 5 on , commending its balance of aggression and melody. The most recent release, , came out on October 31, 2025, via . This 11-track effort includes "Shadow Work," "Over My Dead Body" (featuring Matt Honeycutt), and "Corpse Pose," evolving the band's sound with innovative guest appearances and psychological themes. Initial 2025 reviews highlighted its innovation and mental intensity, with Metal Insider noting its disorienting depth and a critic score of 75 out of 100 on .

Extended plays and splits

Despised Icon's extended plays and splits primarily consist of early demo compilations and collaborative releases that captured the band's nascent sound, as well as a later rarities collection celebrating their legacy. These non-album outputs provided platforms for pre-label material and experimental pairings with like-minded acts, often featuring raw production and bilingual elements reflective of the band's roots. In 2005, Despised Icon released a split with American band Bodies in the Gears of the Apparatus on , marking one of their earliest collaborative efforts. Despised Icon contributed three tracks—"End for a Start," "S.C.O.M.," and "Sever the Ties"—which were demo versions previewing material from their debut full-length, Consumed by Your Poison. These songs showcased the band's aggressive breakdowns and dual vocal assault, blending English lyrics with intense, chaotic instrumentation typical of early 2000s . The split's brief runtime emphasized high-speed ferocity, with Despised Icon's side highlighting their formation-era intensity before wider recognition. The following year, in 2006, Despised Icon participated in another titled Demos 2002 & 2004 with fellow Canadian band , issued independently via Galy Records. This release compiled Despised Icon's "Syndicated Murderers" promo-EP from 2004, featuring tracks like "The Bud Dwyer Effect" and "Poignard d'Ombre," the latter incorporating French-language elements that underscored the band's bilingual identity. These demos captured pre-label roughness, with re-recorded versions later appearing on subsequent albums, demonstrating the evolution from raw aggression to polished . The served as a for both bands' formative years, limited to a 3-inch CD format for underground distribution. A minor split release in 2008 paired Despised Icon's The Ills of Modern Man with British metalcore band Architects' Hollow Crown under Century Media Records, distributed during their joint European tour. This packaging highlighted shared touring synergies during Despised Icon's peak popularity, though it did not introduce new collaborative tracks beyond the bundled albums. It reflected the band's growing international network in the metal scene. Marking their 20th anniversary, Despised Icon issued the Déterré EP in 2022 through Nuclear Blast Records, a five-track collection of re-recorded early material from 2004 and 2005. The EP includes remastered versions of "Warm Blooded," "Bulletproof Scales," "One Last Martini," "Oval Shaped Incisions" from early demos, and "Sever the Ties" originally from the 2005 Bodies in the Gears split. Produced with modern clarity while preserving the original ferocity, Déterré (meaning "unearth" in French) offered fans refreshed access to foundational tracks, blending English and French vocals to honor the band's heritage. Released on 10-inch vinyl and cassette for the first time, it underscored Despised Icon's enduring influence without introducing wholly new compositions.

Music videos and DVDs

Despised Icon has produced several official music videos to promote their albums, often featuring intense, thematic visuals that complement the band's style and lyrical themes. These videos have played a significant role in the band's visual promotion, particularly following their reunion, by leveraging streaming platforms like to reach global audiences and build hype for releases. One of the band's early music videos, "In the Arms of Perdition," was released in 2007 to support the song from their 2007 album The Ills of Modern Man. Directed for , the video captures the band's aggressive performance style during their mid-2000s rise in the scene. Similarly, "Furtive Monologue," also from 2007 and tied to The Ills of Modern Man, showcases raw energy in a straightforward live-concept format, aiding the album's push on platforms like MTV's , where Despised Icon's footage appeared that year. In their post-reunion era, the band emphasized visual storytelling. The 2016 video for "Bad Vibes" from Beast explores themes of negativity and mental strain through gritty, narrative-driven scenes directed by Jessy Fuchs, highlighting interpersonal tension and the band's dual-vocal dynamic. For Purgatory in 2019, the title track's video, released on September 6, continues this approach with dark, atmospheric imagery of torment and resilience, produced to align with the album's exploration of personal struggles. Recent releases from (2025) include "Over My Dead Body," featuring guest vocals from Matt Honeycutt of Kublai Khan TX, released August 8 with high-energy performance clips emphasizing defiance; "Death of an Artist" on September 12, focusing on introspective destruction; and "The Apparition" on October 17, incorporating haunting visuals to underscore psychological themes. These videos, distributed via Records, have boosted streaming engagement during the band's 2025 tours. Regarding DVDs, Despised Icon's primary live release is Montreal Assault, issued January 27, 2009, by . The DVD features a full concert filmed in , with tracks like "Furtive Monologue" and "Compelled to Copulate," alongside a bonus CD of audio from the show and a career documentary. This package served as a milestone in documenting the band's live intensity during their pre-hiatus peak, though no additional full-length DVDs from later tours, such as the era, have been officially released.

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