As support of their latest release Icon I got the opportunity to mail French death metal band Benighted some questions, which I gladly did. Here are the answers from frontman Julien Truchan.
For those who don't know Benighted, please introduce yourself to our readers.
Benighted is a French death band which exists since 1998. Our music is the gathering of several musical styles gathered around a brutal death spine, like grindcore, hardcore, thrash, black metal, heavy... We've released four albums on Adipocere Records and our new album "Icon" recorded this summer is available for three weeks on Osmose Productions. We are just back from a French tour for its promotion.
What is the meaning of the album title "Icon" (Infinite Conscience Of Nothingness)?
It's the principal symptom of the sickness of the man I'm talking in the entire album. He fell in psychosis and the most of his anguish is caused by the fact he's tortured by the infinite conscience he has of his own-existence.
How long did it took you guys to write the record?
We have written "Icon" in six months. We've been careful to each song having its own identity and being recognizable at the first listening. Each song on this album has its own groove parts, brutality, experimentations which make them unique in this opus.
Since Icon is out for a month already, how are the reactions upon now?
The returns I have are just amazing! "Icon" received a great welcome everywhere around the world and we are very proud of that. The reviews are excellent and I'm impatient to go back on tour to make discover the new tracks on stage!
On which bands did you grow up and what is your all-time favourite album?
I would say Dying Fetus, Napalm Death, Cryptopsy, Aborted, Kataklysm... and my favourite album would be "Destroy The Opposition" from Dying Fetus.
What are the latest releases you've been listening to a lot?
The last Malevolent Creation, Aborted, The Red Chord and Job For A Cowboy.
What are your thoughts on the rise of Gojira?
They have done a great work since their first album. They really deserve it. They work hard and seriously and they are the first extreme band in France to receive such a success around the world. Total support!
Can you tell us something no one knows up till now?
Our drummer never smokes and drinks alcohol!
Do you think Britney is a coke sniffer?
Lol! Maybe, I don't know and I am not interested at all about her life.
Are you so far from insanity?
I'd like to say yes, but I'm not sure at all! Hé Hé!
What are the future plans for the band? Any tours coming up?
We really hope to make a European tour at the beginning of 2008 as tour-support of a big band. We are worked on that at this time. We planned to make a video clip for the promotion of "Icon" too.
Anything left you want to say to our readers?
Just discover "Icon" and I hope to see you all on tour for a big fury in the pit! Stay brutal!
