Despised Icon
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Headquarters | Montreal , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, DVDs |
Despised Icon is a deathcore ensemble originating from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Established in 2002, the group is distinguished by drummer Alex Pelletier's frequent application of the blasting drumming style and the presence of two lead vocalists, Alex Erian and Steve Marois.
Although the band dissolved in April 2010, they officially reunited six years later in April 2016 following reunion performances held in 2014 and 2015. Over their career, they have produced six studio albums with only minor alterations to their lineup.
Consumed by Your Poison (2002–2004)
Formed in January 2002 in Montreal, Quebec, Despised Icon quickly secured a contract with Galy Records and launched their first album, Consumed by Your Poison, in October of the same year. By early 2004, the group consisted of vocalists Steve Marois and Alex Erian, guitarists Yannick St-Amand and Eric Jarrin, bassist Sebastien Piche, and drummer Alex Pelletier. This lineup self-funded the extended play Syndicated Murderers, followed by a split EP released alongside Bodies in the Gears of the Apparatus through Relapse Records.
The Healing Process (2005–2006)
In January 2005, Despised Icon signed a global deal with Century Media Records and subsequently released their sophomore album, The Healing Process, on April 5, 2005. The production was handled by guitarist Yannick St-Amand, with mixing by Jean-Francois Dagenais and mastering by Alan Douches.
The band embarked on extensive tours throughout 2005 and 2006 to promote The Healing Process, performing alongside notable groups such as Cryptopsy, Vader, Suffocation, Behemoth, Hatebreed, and Napalm Death. During this timeframe, their debut album Consumed by Your Poison was reissued via Century Media. Early in 2007, they supported Unearth on tour with Job for a Cowboy and Dååth.
The Ills of Modern Man, Day of Mourning, and breakup (2007–2010)
Despised Icon’s third album, The Ills of Modern Man, produced once again by former guitarist Yannick St-Amand under Century Media Records, was released in 2007. That year featured tours supporting Job for a Cowboy, Suicide Silence, and Misery Index among others. On June 18, 2008, original bassist Sebastien Piché left due to personal reasons and was succeeded by Max Lavelle from Goratory. The band also took part in the 2008 Summer Slaughter Tour alongside The Black Dahlia Murder and Whitechapel.
In late 2008, Despised Icon revealed plans for their inaugural DVD titled Montreal Assault, which came out in January 2009 showcasing a sold-out hometown concert along with documentary footage. Guitarist Al Glassman departed in December 2008 to join Job for a Cowboy. During their 2009 Montreal Assault Tour, they recorded their fourth studio album Day of Mourning, released on September 22, 2009 through Century Media Records. This release entered the Billboard 200 chart at number 162. The lead single "MVP" was made available online in July 2009 and was followed by a music video for the album’s title track. In that same year, they toured on the Thrash and Burn Tour with bands including DevilDriver and Emmure.
On April 7, 2010, Despised Icon announced their breakup as members chose to focus on family life and careers that restricted touring availability. Their farewell European tour featured an appearance at the Hevy Music Festival. Throughout 2010 they completed tours across North America, Australia, Japan, Europe, and Canada. Their final performances occurred in December in Toronto and Montreal with both current and former members participating.
Following the disbandment, Alexandre Erian established metalcore outfit Obey the Brave; Max Lavelle joined The Black Dahlia Murder; while Eric Jarrin returned to his progressive project Heaven's Cry, releasing Wheels of Impermanence through Prosthetic Records in September 2012.
Reunion tours, return, and Beast (2014–2018)
On February 4, 2014, the group revealed through Facebook their decision to reunite for a series of live performances during the spring. This lineup included every member from the The Healing Process period except for guitarist Ben Landreville. Founding member Yannick St. Amand rejoined to handle audio samples and live sound engineering, expanding the band into a seven-piece ensemble.
In April 2014, they participated in the Impericon Festival Tour throughout Europe, headlining selected dates with support from Brutality Will Prevail and Cerebral Bore. Additionally, they appeared at Canada’s Amnesia Rockfest on June 20.
Towards the end of 2014, the band completed four concerts along the North American east coast, performing in Montreal, Toronto, New York City, and Worcester.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of The Healing Process, on April 6, 2015, they announced special shows at the U.K.'s Ghostfest and Quebec City's Envol & Macadam Festival.
After signing with Nuclear Blast, on April 12, 2016, they confirmed their full-time comeback by sharing a teaser video containing previously unheard material. Their fifth studio album, Beast, was officially released on July 22, 2016.
Purgatory and Déterré EP (2019–present)
On September 20, the band embarked on an extensive North American tour to promote their forthcoming album Purgatory.
Their sixth studio release, Purgatory, became available on November 15, 2019.
On October 28, 2022, they unveiled the EP Déterré, which consists of five re-released early tracks.
The group’s seventh full-length album, Shadow Work, was launched on October 31, 2025.
Band members
Current lineup
- Steve Marois – lead vocals (2002–2010, 2014–present)
- Alex Erian – lead vocals (2004–2010, 2014–present), drums (2002–2004)
- Eric Jarrin – lead guitar (2002–2010, 2014–present)
- Sebastien Piché – bass guitar (2002–2008, 2014–present)
- Alex Pelletier – drums (2004–2010, 2014–present)
- Ben Landreville – rhythm guitar (2009–2010, 2014–present)
Previous members
- Yannick St-Amand – samples and media (2002–2006, 2014–2019), rhythm guitar (2002–2006)
- Marie-Hélène Landry – vocals (2002–2003)
- Al Glassman – rhythm guitar (2006–2008)
- Max Lavelle – bass guitar (2008–2010)
Timeline
Studio albums
| Year | Album information | Highest chart positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 |
US Heatseekers | ||||
| 2002 | Consumed by Your Poison
|
— | — | ||
| 2005 | The Healing Process
|
— | — | ||
| 2007 | The Ills of Modern Man
|
— | 28 | ||
| 2009 | Day of Mourning
|
162 | 6 | ||
| 2016 | Beast
|
— | 2 | ||
| 2019 | Purgatory
|
— | — | ||
| 2025 | Shadow Work
|
— | — | ||
DVDs
| Year | Release details |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Montreal Assault
|
Other releases
| Year | Release details | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Syndicated Murderers
|
|
| 2005 | Bodies in the Gears of the Apparatus and Despised Icon
|
|
| 2006 | Demos 2002 & 2004
|
|
| 2022 | Déterré
|
|
Music videos
| Year | Title | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | "The Sunset Will Never Charm Us" | Jean-Phillipe Bernier |
| 2007 | "In the Arms of Perdition" | |
| 2008 | "Furtive Monologue" | Jonathan Desbiens |
| 2009 | "Day of Mourning" | Mathieu Elle |
| 2010 | "MVP" | Thisisfee Production |
| 2016 | "Beast" | Jessy Fuchs |
| "Bad Vibes" | ||
| "The Aftermath" | Matt Charland | |
| 2019 | "Purgatory" | Jessy Fuchs |
| "Snake in the Grass" | ||
| 2025 | "Over My Dead Body (featuring Matt Honeycutt)" | Mathieu Elle |
| "Death of an Artist" | Jessy Fuchs |