Few bands can claim to have shaped the DNA of modern deathcore the way Despised Icon have. For over two decades, the Montreal juggernaut has stood as a benchmark of precision, power, and pure grit — merging technical death metal ferocity with hardcore’s raw pulse long before it became a movement.
Now, six years after 2019’s Purgatory, they return with Shadow Work — their seventh studio album and a defining statement of endurance, introspection, and evolution — set to drop October 31st via Nuclear Blast Records.
I caught up with guitarist Eric Jarrin to dive into the heart of this monstrous new chapter — from its pandemic-born origins and heavyweight guest lineup to the emotional layers behind one of the band’s most dynamic releases yet.
From Isolation to Resurrection
When Shadow Work began taking shape, the world was on the verge of shutting down.
“We actually started writing songs as early as January 2020 — just before the pandemic,” Eric recalls. “Then lockdowns hit, and here in Canada it was really strict. We couldn’t see each other for over a year, so we were all stranded at home.”
Rather than stall, Despised Icon adapted.
“We figured, ‘Alright, fuck it, let’s try to write some new songs by ourselves,’” he continues. “Half the songs were written in isolation, then when we could finally reunite, that’s when the real magic happened. It’s a personal album — some songs I wrote alone, and Alex [Erian] wrote 100% of the lyrics himself at home.”
The result is a record that feels both fractured and unified — an honest reflection of a band learning to reconnect through distance, time, and resilience.
“At this stage of our career, we don’t need to release something every two years,” Eric says. “We revisited, refined, and sat on it until it was perfect. Now, it’s time to share it with the world.”
Defiance, Groove, and Connection
From the opening moments of “Over My Dead Body”, Shadow Work sets an unflinching tone — both musically and emotionally. Featuring Matthew Honeycutt of Kublai Khan TX, it’s a powerhouse anthem of defiance and endurance.
“That was one of the first songs written,” Eric explains. “Earlier tracks were more technical and fast, but this one leaned into the groovy, slam-oriented side of our sound — that permanent hardcore touch. We’d toured with Kublai Khan just before the pandemic, and watching them tear it up every night definitely rubbed off on us.”
The collaboration came naturally.
“Alex and I thought, ‘Dude, we should ask Matt to jump on this.’ We left a section instrumental and sent it to him — he wrote his own parts and smashed it. It worked perfectly, and the video where he walks in like, ‘It’s on!’ was awesome.”
Reaper and the Sound of Brotherhood
If “Over My Dead Body” represents strength through struggle, “Reaper” is pure devastation. Featuring Tom Barber (Chelsea Grin, Darko US) and Scott Ian Lewis (Carnifex), it’s one of the record’s most punishing tracks — both technically and emotionally.
“We didn’t do features just for hype,” Eric emphasizes. “All three guests — Matt, Tom, and Scott — are friends we’ve toured with. We’ve done countless tours with Carnifex, Chelsea Grin, and even when Tom was in Lorna Shore. These collabs came from history and respect. You can hear the chemistry in those performances — they’re genuine and powerful.”
In Memoriam – Beauty in the Brutality
While Despised Icon are known for ferocity, “In Memoriam” offers something hauntingly human — an atmospheric track featuring Australian composer Misstiq, whose orchestral and piano layers add emotional gravity.
“That track I wrote alone during the pandemic,” Eric says. “It had a different vibe. Alex came across Misstiq on Instagram — she’s amazing at layering orchestration over songs. We reached out, she was keen, and laid down her parts beautifully. She brought something really special to the track.”
It’s a moment that shows just how far Despised Icon have evolved — never abandoning heaviness, but expanding its emotional reach.
The Canadian Fire Still Burns
After more than two decades, Despised Icon remain’s deeply rooted in the Canadian scene that helped shape them.
“We grew up listening to Kataklysm, Cryptopsy, Gorguts, Voivod…” Eric reflects. “Now we’ve got bands like Beyond Creation and a killer hardcore scene with acts like Get The Shot. It’s been awesome growing up and sharing stages with such a talented community.”
The band’s long-time ally Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy) once again handled production, pushing their sonic intensity to a new level.
“Christian’s an old friend,” Eric smiles. “We’ve known him since he joined Cryptopsy in 2005. He worked on Purgatory, and it was an easy call to bring him back. He’s just gotten better over the years and really took our sound to another level this time.”
The Apparition and the Soul of Despised Icon
When asked to pick a favourite, Eric doesn’t hesitate long — though the choice comes with a grin.
“(Laughs) Tough one, but I’ll go with The Apparition,” he says. “It’s the last song I wrote for the album, and it captures everything Despised Icon is about — fast blast beats, heavy breakdowns, and groovy sections.”
It’s the perfect encapsulation of Shadow Work — an album that looks backward and forward at once, confronting inner shadows while reigniting the primal spark that started it all.
Shadow Work: The Statement
After 23 years, Despised Icon remain as hungry and heartfelt as ever. Shadow Work isn’t just another chapter — it’s a reflection, a renewal, and a reaffirmation of everything that makes them legendary.
“Just massive thanks to all our fans — 23 years in and still going strong,” Eric says in closing. “We don’t take it for granted. Thanks for the support and for giving the new album a chance.”
Shadow Work arrives October 31st via Nuclear Blast Records — a Halloween gift from the godfathers of deathcore to fans worldwide. Turn it up, dive deep, and face the shadow within.
Pre-order/pre-save Shadow Work:
https://despisedicon.bfan.link/shadow-work
DESPISED ICON’s line-up is:
Alex Erian | Vocals
Steve Marois | Vocals
Eric Jarrin | Guitars
Ben Landreville | Guitars
Sébastien Piché | Bass
Alex “Grind” Pelletier | Drums
