Sybreed
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Benjamin Nominet, Thomas "Drop" Betrisey |
| Defunct | 2014 |
| Fate | Disbanded in 2014; reformed in 2025 |
| Headquarters | Geneva , Switzerland |
| Products | Industrial metal music |
Sybreed—a fusion of the words "synthetic" and "breed"—is an industrial metal group originating from Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 2003 by vocalist Benjamin Nominet alongside guitarist Thomas "Drop" Betrisey, the band ceased activities in 2013 after Nominet's exit, before reforming in 2025.
History
Following the disbandment of their former project Rain, Thomas "Drop" Betrisey and Benjamin Nominet created Sybreed. They enlisted bassist Luis "Burn" Da Silva Cruz and drummer Alex Anxonnia to complete their lineup for the debut album, Slave Design, which was co-produced by Betrisey and Claude Lander. Released on 7 September 2004 through Reality Entertainment/Caroline Distribution, this album marked their entry into the industrial metal arena. In early 2006, the band shared a preview of the track "Emma-Zero" on MySpace; this song was later retitled "Emma-O" and included on Antares. Drummer Alex Anxonnia departed in February 2006 due to creative and personal disagreements; he subsequently founded Etna, later renamed Breach the Void. Dirk Verbeuren contributed as a session drummer during the recording of Antares, which took place over 2006 and was released on 1 October 2007 via Listenable Records.
In 2006, Kevin Choiral joined as Sybreed’s full-time drummer, while Stéphane Grand replaced Luis Da Silva Cruz on bass. This refreshed lineup issued the EP A.E.O.N. on 21 July 2009 through Listenable Records, featuring material that would appear on their third studio album, The Pulse of Awakening, released on 16 November 2009. The track "Doomsday Party" was offered as a complimentary download for the video game Rock Band in April 2010.
Sybreed introduced the EP Challenger in 2011 to build anticipation for their fourth studio album. Midway through that year, Stéphane Grand left and was succeeded by Ales Campanelli on bass. The fourth album, God Is an Automaton, debuted on 24 September 2012. The band unveiled their first official music video for "Hightech Versus Lowlife" the following day. In December 2012, Sybreed received some mainstream attention when Rachel Aspe performed "Emma-O" on French television's La France a un incroyable talent. Additional videos for "No Wisdom Brings Solace" and "The Line of Least Resistance" were released later that year and in early 2013 respectively.
Benjamin Nominet’s departure in October 2013 led to canceled tours and ultimately resulted in the band's dissolution announced in July 2014.
In 2024, Sybreed commemorated their debut with a remastered 20th anniversary edition of Slave Design. On 10 April 2025, they released a cover version of Tears for Fears’ "Shout", included on the forthcoming reissue of The Pulse of Awakening, set for release on 30 May. This reissue will be launched alongside updated editions of both Antares and God Is an Automaton. On 13 May 2025, Sybreed declared their reunion and intentions to produce new material.
Current lineup
- Benjamin Nominet – vocals (2003–2013, 2025–present)
- Thomas "Drop" Betrisey – guitars, programming (2003–2014, 2025–present)
- Ales Campanelli – bass (2011–2014, 2025–present)
- Kevin Choiral – drums (2007–2014, 2025–present)
Past Members
- Luis "Burn" Da Silva Cruz – bass guitar (2003–2009)
- Stéphane Grand – bass guitar (2009–2011)
- Alex Anxionaz – drums (2003–2006)
- Dirk Verbeuren (guest musician) – drums (2007)
Full-Length Albums
| Year | Title | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Slave Design | Reality Entertainment |
| 2007 | Antares | Listenable |
| 2009 | The Pulse of Awakening | |
| 2012 | God Is an Automaton |
Extended Plays
| Year | Title | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | A.E.O.N. | Listenable |
| 2011 | Challenger | |
| 2024 | System Debaser | Independent |