Benighted and Drummer Kévin Paradis Split Over “Different Ambitions in Music”
In a social media post that fans most likely didn’t see coming, Benighted announced that they were parting ways with drummer Kévin Paradis over what they described as “different ambitions in music.” Though the decision to let him go was final, both sides sounded like the end result was regrettable, given the fact that they’d spent the last seven years making music together.
According to the post, the band was worried that they’d suddenly find themselves without a drummer if some other opportunity were to come along for Paradis, citing “his recent experience with Ne Obliviscaris and his applying for Archspire.”
“BENIGHTED IS LOOKING FOR A NEW DRUMMER.
“After 7 years playing together, we always knew that Kevin and the rest of the band had different ambitions in music. After his recent experience with Ne Obliviscaris and his applying for Archspire, it appeared that it was too difficult for Benighted to have a drummer that might leave for other opportunities in a short notice.
“We are now searching for a new full-time drummer who’s at the same time fast, tight and of course fully available to open the new chapter of the Benighted history! Contact us here: [email protected]
“Of course, there is no bad blood between us and Kevin will ensure all the upcoming gigs while we look for a new drummer. We wish our Kevin all the best for the future, we really want to thank him for everything he brought to Benighted during this amazing time, we love you man!
“To all bands who might be interested in playing with this incredible drummer, please contact him: [email protected]. Thank you all for your support”
Paradis joined Benighted back in 2017 and has been featured on each of the band’s releases since their 2018 EP Dogs Always Bite Harder Than Their Master, with his latest work being on the band’s latest release Ekbom from earlier this year.
In a his own statement, Paradis said he was saddened by the decision to let him go, but that he also understood where his former bandmates were coming from. That being said, he said that there had always been a difference in opinion about making music their career. Paradis wrote that when he joined the band, he told the rest of the guys that he wanted to make a living solely off music, though he claims the rest of the guys said “it wasn’t their goal.” Paradis said both parties knew that difference in opinion would one day cause things to a head.
Here’s his statement in full:
“It has been 7 years. I am proud of the records we did. I know it will be difficult to find a band where I can express so many different aspect of my drumming. The extreme metal drumming, super fast blast beat and blistering double bass drum, the dynamic and more groovy drumming were both possible in Benighted. It wasn’t always easy to make sure that the dynamic stays at the production process but I think in the end things turns out great, and I very happy when I look back on the work we did in the studio together, and also, the performances we delivered live. I wish we achieved more, but I want to remember all the great times we had together.
“Straight away when I joined Benighted, I explained that my goal was to make music my one and only job, and straight away, they explained that it wasn’t their goal. We knew one day or an other, this difference might create a clash. I have been involved with Ne Obliviscaris and as you might have noticed, I did the Archspire audition. To me it remained unclear until the last minute if I should try this audition or not, even when I started recording my ‘A.U.M.’ cover. When it was completed, I just thought ‘let’s try it, it is too much of a great opportunity not to go for it, and I can be a great fit’. Hence, I uploaded the video, with very few talking about me going for it with Benighted. I have apologized to them for being too quiet about it with them before uploading publicly, and I explained why I did it that way.
“But mainly, for Benighted, it wasn’t possible to continue with a drummer that might consider an opportunity in a bigger band at some point, and I understand their decision to part way with me although it is not without a heavy heart. I have enjoyed very much playing their previous songs, and I have enjoyed even more to play the songs we did together. That being said, there is no hard feelings between us, and as I never drop a band without severals month delay so they can find a solution, I will, during the next month, ensure Benighted upcoming gigs while they are looking for a drummer.
“Nonetheless, my schedule in 2025 and in the future remains open to any opportunity, as I am now a drummer to hire. My priority is to join a band that I really dig the music and fit as a musician and an artist, a band that also share the ambitious of making music their one and only job and that have the means to succeed. Although I would prefer to participate to the creation process by writing the drums part, I can also understand if I have to settle for some written drums. In the meantime, I am open to any session job for touring and recording for established band. To reach me: [email protected]”
It’ll be interesting to see what happens next for Benighted, as now they’ve got to find a new madlad to put behind the kit…
