Despite

Even though Despite had existed in and out of various formations for years, the definitive starting point began in 2012 when they refocused and headed for an aggressive and technical direction...

The band’s current unique style of modern metal easily grabs your attention, and in the intricacy of arrangements there’s always something new to be discovered. While their down-tuned brand of metal makes the Richter scale overload, there’s also a clear focus on elements of groove and melody. Despite, as you will presently come to know the band, began when André Gonzales (ex. By Night & Trendkill) and Peter Tuthill (ex. Carnal Forge & Godsic) crossed creative paths when they both joined in 2012. Starting anew on a clean slate soon paid off. 2014 saw the release of the EP “EPic”, met with rave reviews.

The EP was followed by singles “Chaos Trigger” and “Praedonum”. Shortly thereafter Despite caught the attention of Eclipse Records (Mushroomhead, Bobaflex, A Breach of Silence), and re-entered the studio to record new material for the label’s consideration. Naturally, upon hearing the new material Eclipse Records signed the band in early 2016 and released their first full length album “Synergi” (produced by Oscar Nilsson at Crehate Studios) worldwide on July 22, 2016. Synergi garnered critical acclaim and was placed third amid Meshuggah, Gojira and Korn on Jose Mangin's “Devil’s Dozen” at SiriusXM for four consecutive weeks. The album was praised by fans across the globe. In early 2017, a cover of The Prodigy’s “Breathe” was released.

While most bands have a multiplicity of approaches to storytelling, Gothenburg’s Despite mainly has one focus – the present. With lyrics dealing with the qualms of modern life there’s certainly a sense of immediacy to their material, both musically and lyrically. Despite sifts through piles of impressions provided by today’s overwhelming flow of information to identify relevant subject matters.

Regarding the band’s latest single, singer Peter Tuthill explains; “Echo Chamber shines a light on one of the most dangerous phenomenons that everyone encounters on a daily basis on social media platforms. In today's society people have grown accustomed to information served at a rapid pace without thinking twice. People don't stop to source-check things they read online, and as a consequence there’s a tendency to form opinion without worrying about whether or not the particular information is true. This fuels racism, inequality and brings corrupt politicians to power. We felt someone had to draw a line in the sand and question the issue. Echo Chamber is our effort to try to help people realize that we all need to be cautious and critical in the constantly changing environment of today.”

There’s always something new going on in the quiet and secretive Despite-camp, and there is constantly something that triggers their anger and urge to speak. Something new is always going through elaboration. Prepare your introduction to the poly-rhythmic soundscapes Despite roams with an undeniable presence.