1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the bands since the recording and release of the new album?
Hey, we’ve been going back to a touring regime, trying out different sets with the new songs, trying to see which would sound better live and practicing a lot. We had a couple of shows since the release, and about three are already planned, so we’re keeping ourselves busy!
2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Our new album, intitled K-Pop Extreme Survival, is a concept album about a young girl trying to get into a Korean pop boys band. I’m not kidding.
Ok I may be kidding. It’s hard to describe really, but I would say it’s death metal that goes in many weird, interesting directions while the keeping some old school roots. Compared to the first record, some differences are clear, while some aren’t. The production is obviously the first change that people will notice, and for good reasons : when you involve Chris, it’s bound to make a difference. The sound is heavier, and a good part of that effect is accomplished by the bass’ ominous presence in the mix. I think the snare sound is also quite unique, and much bigger than previously heard.
In term of the song-writing, It’s hard to say really. There are crazier and more technical parts, especially when it comes to rhythmical complexity, but there are also more ambient and immersive moments, as well as more emotions, especially in some vocal parts. Even with that in mind, I would say the album’s sound is more focused and, dare I say it, mature (sincerely sorry for pulling out the clichest of all clichés). Even though the songs go in all kinds of direction, the whole thing is pretty coherent. We also experimented with longer songs, with Cognitive Dissonance at 6:23 and my personal favorite, Eroded, standing out at 7:46. I also feel that’s a sign of musical maturity.
3.This is your first release in 4 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?
Mostly touring and writing, lots of both! We have done a lot of shows during that time, including shows in places we’ve never been before, including Rimouski and Québec City. But the writing itself was pretty long, since the writing process is very old-school in Hybreed. Basically, Dex writes the riffs, then we meet up and build the songs from his riffs, a task that begins by cryptic rituals needed to actually understand the riffs. Once this is done, Franck adds the basic drum structure (to be polished later) and we have something like a song.
Then, it’s simply a matter of adding the remaining ingredients (namely, the bass and the vocals) and refining each part according to the others, organically. We actually have a video on our youtube channel showcasing our writing process : be warned though, there are a lot of odd time signatures 😊 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni0zupJ3AAo
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
In the first album, all my lyrics were political or anti-religious. I had two songs where I took a good shit at two of our ex-politicians (Stephen Harper and Jean Charest, in Emperor and Charogne), and the other were mostly about expressing my anger and despair at the state of the world, and raging against capitalism. There are also two anti-religious songs, which is a pretty cliché subject. I wouldn't do other songs like that, but they represent what I was concerned with at the time ahah.
On the second album, the lyrics still revolve around political/social subjects, but they are more abstract and philosophical on the whole. There is a song about democracy, a song about cognitive dissonance, one about the search for eternal truths. But there are also songs about police brutality and one about the Baltimore riots, so really there is a mix of abstract and concrete outlooks.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Hybreed Chaos'?
Beyond the pun, the idea is that we actually breed chaos through our music. It’s a hint to the very weird and experimental side we explore in the songs, and the ‘hybrid’ part could be taken to mean the mix of old and new, both in the musical influences and in the member’s age.
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
The Gorguts opening show sure comes to mind, it was jam-packed, and opening for such a behemoth obviously felt great. Our tour with our PRC mates Saccage, Replicant and Vortex in Rimousky, Québec and Montreal was also memorable.
I would say our stage performance is characterized by a huge wall of sound, thanks to careful tone crafting by out string duo, and by the energic antics of our singer (when he isn’t too tired).
7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
We are obviously looking to promote the album as much as possible, which could include some small tours, but nothing is set for now. We do have a couple of shows planned in Montréal, Québec and Trois-Rivière though.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?
It’s been very good! People are comparing us to a broad variety of bands, which is always a good sign, and I think people are very impressed by the quality of the production. Overall I think it’s a step further than our EP, and people are recognizing that.
9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Only our guitarist knows! I don’t think any drastic change is on the line, but the writing will certainly continue to evolve organically, song per song, so you can be assured that we will not stall stylistically.
10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I would say, Morbid Angel, Meshuggah, Origin, but mostly Gorguts and Negativa. Nowadays, I can speak for everyone, but I know Dex listens to a lot of chugcore/doomcore, while our singer is busy catching up on djent, especially Periphery and Tesseract.
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Again, it’s hard to speak for everyone, but Franck has a passion for snake collection, while François (singer) is a pretty huge gamer.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
You guys are not ready, but you will come out stronger after letting our album rip you to shreds 😊
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