Forged through relentless touring and sharpened by a renewed lineup, Warside enter a new era. We discuss evolution, brutality, live intensity, and the mindset behind their upcoming album cycle ahead.
1. Warside
has been active since 2018 and quickly earned a reputation for a raw and
uncompromising sound. How do you feel the band has evolved since The Enemy
Inside EP?
We've
definitely matured. We're continuing to progress, both in terms of writing and
performing our songs. We've been lucky enough to play a lot over the last three
years, and the arrival of Thomas on drums and, more recently, Mathieu on
vocals, has greatly contributed to improving our sound.
2. Your
live presence seems to be a major pillar of Warside's identity. How have
extensive shows and festival appearances shaped your songwriting and overall
sound?
Absolutely!
Having fun on stage is our top priority! It's therapeutic for us. Being able to
play with the bands that influence Warside's music motivates us to work even
harder every time. Every break, every riff... We now know exactly how we want
it to sound. So yes, meeting people and playing concerts in over 16 countries
directly influences our writing and has allowed us to find our sound.
3. Touring
Europe with legends like Vader and Vomitory is no small feat. What lessons did
you take away from the "40 Years of the Apocalypse" tour and the
following European run?
Many, many,
many lessons. It was fantastic!!! If I had to name a few, I would say
humility, fun, and professionalism.
4.
Your upcoming album marks a new era with a new vocalist and drummer. How did
this lineup change influence the creative process and intensity of the new
material?
Thomas
(drums) and Mathieu (vocals) are brothers. Thomas joined the band in 2023 for
our second European tour with Vader and Biocancer. Mathieu also filled in for a
few dates on that tour and joined the band permanently in early 2025 for the
recording of the album. They are very creative and extremely precise in what
they do. Thomas brings groove, brutality, and surgical precision. Mathieu... He
did an incredible job on the album, with the writing, the arrangements... he
elevated every song on the album!
5. You've
described the new album as rawer, more direct, and more brutal. What specific
elements or choices helped you push the sound further into extreme territory?
None, it
was instinctive. When we were writing the songs, we wanted something wild and
sincere with a sound that matched what we can deliver on stage. It all happened
naturally without any specific choices.
6. With
the first single being released now, what can listeners expect from it compared
to your previous releases?
A rawer
sound and a very direct track.
7. How
was the collaboration with Gruesome Records established, and what does this
partnership bring to Warside at this stage of your career?
I stumbled
across their website by chance. I really liked their message and their image.
Clearly passionate guys! I sent them a track via a submission platform... And
after a few emails, we agreed to work together. For us, this partnership
is great, it fits with our values, gives us more visibility and makes us more
credible.
8. Death
metal thrives on authenticity and conviction. What themes or messages are
driving the lyrics on the upcoming album?
The album
delves into mental, intellectual, and emotional deterioration in the face of
modern pressures. It explores the loss of lucidity, the dislocation of
perception, and the disconnection from reality, where the human mind fragments
under the influence of intrusive thoughts (jealousy, frustration, etc.) and
primal emotions.
Throughout
the album, each track offers a different perspective on this gradual decline,
depicting portraits that are sometimes subjective and abstract, sometimes
objective and very pragmatic.The album thus begins with a mental breakdown and
ends with total cognitive extinction.
It is
intended to be very intense, brutal, and direct.
9. After playing in 15 countries across
Europe, do you feel audiences respond differently from one country to another?
Any standout moments from the road?
Overall,
the audience reacted very well everywhere, but special mention goes to the pit
in Timisoara (Romania) and the one at Laurus Nobilis in Portugal. Those two
were particularly wild!
10.
Looking ahead to the album release on April 17, 2026, what are your goals for
Warside in the coming years—both on stage and in the studio?
To tour and
travel as much as possible! As for the studio, we already have quite a bit of
material, so we're going to take our time.
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