Interview with death metal band from France - WARSIDE.
Answered Jérôme (bass), thank you!
Recenze/review - WARSIDE - Cognitive Extinction (2026):
Ave WARSIDE! Greetings to the French underground. Let’s get straight to the point. You’ve just released your new album, “Cognitive Extinction,” which is literally packed with raw, gritty death metal. How did the album come together, and how do you feel about it? In what direction has WARSIDE evolved since your last EP, “The Enemy Inside”?
Cheers and thanks for the support! The first demo was actually ready by late 2022, but our European tours in 2023 and 2024 changed everything. The band hit a new level on the road, especially with Thomas joining us behind the kit, he brought a massive amount of precision and efficiency to our sound. When we got back from touring in 2024, I decided to scrap everything and start from scratch. I wanted to inject that raw live experience and Thomas's crushing performance into the new tracks. Compared to the EP, our goal was clear, we wanted a more organic and savage, far away from over-polished productions. We wanted the listener to feel the same violence we deliver on stage. It’s a raw Death Metal record, no bullshit, and we’re fuckin' happy of the result.
I’m listening to the album right now, and I have to say that this time it took me a while to really get into it. I popped the CD into my player and have been listening to it in the car. I really like the sound. It’s raw, organic, old school, brutal, and at the same time clear and easy to follow. It seems different from your previous recordings. Where did you record it, and who is responsible for the sound?
Thanks! We’re glad the production hits the mark. This time, we handled the recording of the guitars, bass, and vocals ourselves to keep total control over the vibe. For the drums, we wanted something massive and real, so they were tracked in-studio under the direction of Kevin Paradis. As for the final sound, the mixing was handled by a close friend, Thibault Bernard from Convulsound Studio in France. He really understood that we weren't looking for a over-produced sound, but something raw and punishing. We wanted that "in-your-face" live energy while keeping every element clear, and Thibault nailed it.
I think you’ll agree with me that the cover art sells the album. Who designed the new album cover? How did you come together, and what exactly is the motif meant to express in relation to the music?
The artwork was created by Jesus Lhysta (Rotted Artist). We already worked with him on our previous EP, and over the last five years, we’ve stayed in close contact, he’s become a personal friend of the band. It was a natural choice to bring him on board for this new record.The cover perfectly captures the savage and raw energy of our music. That central skull, with the third eye and the shattered jaw, is a direct visual translation of the "Cognitive Extinction" concept. It represents the intellectual decay and the dislocation of perception we describe in our lyrics. The mind is no longer a whole it’s fragmenting and collapsing under pressure. When I say the mind fragments, I mean we’re witnessing a massive intellectual regression. People are becoming nothing more than cattlemindless sheep stripped of their culture and critical thinking. The modern world is lobotomizing the masses through screens and constant pressure, turning humans into hollow shells that just follow the herd without questioning a single thing. It’s the death of the individual.
Your lyrics really caught my attention. I have several people around me who are truly consumed by screens, the internet, and social media and have become addicted. Where do you get inspiration for the lyrics? And who wrote them? Some of these people seem like zombies to me.
You’re spot on with the "zombie" comparison, that’s exactly what we’re seeing. Mathieu wrote most of the lyrics, except for "Synthetic Abyss", which I handled personally. We don’t have to look far for inspiration, it’s everywhere. Whether it’s at work, in our family lives, with our kids, or just looking at the news, we’re witnessing a massive intellectual regression.
People are losing the ability to argue, to reflect, or to even think for themselves. They’re becoming hollow shells, fed by screens and social media. Sometimes, seeing this level of sheep-like behavior and lack of culture is so frustrating it makes you want to throw a grenade...
I keep playing “Cognitive Extinction” over and over in my head, and I find myself thinking that what I like most about the album is probably that hard to describe old school death metal, brutal feeling. It seems like we’re cut from the same cloth. Who was and is actually your role model? Every musician started somewhere; there are role models that shaped their style. What were yours?
It’s cool to hear the "old-school" vibe resonates with you,that’s exactly where we come from. Very early on, around age 10 or 11, my models were guys like Dimebag Darrell, Lemmy, and Slash. It wasn't just the music; it was that raw, "don't give a fuck" Rock 'n' Roll attitude that spoke to me. That mindset has stuck with me ever since.
But the real turning point, the final stage of my "education," was seeing Dying Fetus live in the late '90s. It was the biggest slap in the face I’ve ever experienced. Right then, I knew this was the only music I wanted to play. I’ve been working at it with total passion for over 25 years now.
Today, if I had to pick the most inspiring and representative figure in Death Metal, it would definitely be Erik Rutan. His work ethic, his sound, and his dedication are the ultimate benchmarks for me.
What do you think of the current trend, prevalent mainly among young bands, where they try to play as technically as possible, often incorporating things like saxophones and various keyboards into death metal, and generally pursuing a very complicated approach? Do you enjoy bands like that? For example, when I go to a concert and a band like that is performing, I’m confused. It feels like an exercise at a jazz school, but in the end, I don’t remember a thing. What about you and current trends in death metal?
I’ve come a long way regarding that. When we started Warside in 2018, I was just coming back from a long break where I’d completely cut ties with the music scene for personal reasons. When I got back into it, I discovered this "new" Death Metal you’re describing. At first, I was dead against it.
Nowadays, honestly, I don’t care as much, as long as the guys are cool and stay humble. Musically, there’s this constant race for instrumental technique, high-end gear, and chasing stream numbers or all that bullshit. But I’ve realized one thing hasn't changed, the stage.
You can release ultra-polished albums or YouTube videos with unplayable riffs, but the stage is the only truth. The power and authenticity of your music will always be judged there. I don't look at how technical or "original" a band is anymore, I look at their impact live. If I feel like a tank is rolling over my skull, I’m going to love that band, no matter what style of Death Metal they play.
If we go back to the beginning… What was actually the initial impulse that led you to form the band? And why death metal, specifically? It’s not exactly a style that would bring you great “fame.”
We do what we love, period. We couldn’t give a fuck about fame or notoriety. Back in the early 2000s, Vincent and I were in a band that was touring quite a bit in France, we shared the stage with bands like Gojira and Decapitated... That project ended in 2008, but we always told each other that one day, we’d pick up exactly where we left off. We both kept busy with our own projects, but in 2018, I finally reached out to him to launch Warside. Why Death Metal? Because it’s who we are. We love this music more than anything else. It’s not about "making it"; it’s about the raw energy and staying true to ourselves. It’s in our blood, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
You’re from France and you play extreme death metal. Our readers would definitely be interested in how the death metal scene works over there. To tell you the truth, lately I’ve been hearing nothing but great bands from you guys. Does that mean the scene is really strong over there right now? What about concerts how many people show up?
It’s true, France is producing a massive amount of high-quality bands right now. Some are touring heavily across Europe, Asia, and the US, the "French touch" in extreme music is definitely making its mark globally. Regarding the local scene, it depends on the lineup, but generally, people show up. In major cities, a solid Death Metal show can easily pull between 150 to 300 people. We also have some killer specialized festivals like Muscadeath or Brutal Swamp Fest, where you can see up to 600 or 800 fans gathering.
Your music shows that you’re influenced by both the American death metal school and old European bands. What about you as fans? Do you prefer classic death metal, or do you also draw inspiration from new albums? If so, I’d be curious to know which bands have had the biggest influence on WARSIDE.
My personal influences are definitely rooted in Classic Death Metal. I have a "Top 5" that serves as my permanent blueprint: Dying Fetus, Misery Index, Vomitory, Hate Eternal, and Suffocation. These bands defined the standard for me. That said, I’m also deeply influenced by bands like Vader, Aborted, Rotten Sound, and Blood Red Throne. I’ve always loved their energy, and they continue to shape my playing style today. Whether it’s the American groove and brutality or the European intensity, these bands are the core of Warside’s DNA.
How did you get started with music? And how did you get into death metal? Do you have any formal music training? What about your first concert? What about your first live performance, when you stood on stage?
I really got into music at 14 with my first high school band, and played my first show at 15. Back then, we were mostly playing covers of the Sex Pistols, the Ramones, and I think some AC/DC too. My real turning point came later, at 19, when I discovered Death Metal through that legendary Dying Fetus show. It was a total revelation. That’s when Vincent and I formed our first Death Metal band in 2003. We played our first gig that same year, and honestly, I’ve never changed lanes since. Once I tasted that level of brutality and power, there was no turning back. It’s been my life for over 20 years.
We’re nearing the end of our interview, and I always like to ask a slightly philosophical question. How would you define death metal, and what does it mean to you? I don’t mean the technical aspects of playing, but rather what it gives you, what it takes from you, and how you perceive it in relation to the fans.
For me, Death Metal is pure, raw energy,completely stripped of any bullshit or pretension. It’s the only medium that allows us to channel and express our deepest, most sincere rage. But beyond the music, it’s a powerful human adventure. Every person you meet in this scene, whether they are musicians or fans, has a unique story to tell. There’s a level of brotherhood and authenticity here that you don’t find anywhere else.
On a personal level, I’ve always said that this music is my therapy. When I’m on stage or in studio, I let the beast out. It’s a primal release. After every show, I feel like I’ve "reset" my animal side back to zero. Playing the most brutal music possible is what allows me to stay "civilized" and balanced in my daily life. Without this outlet, I’d probably be a much more dangerous person to be around. It’s a shared catharsis that goes far beyond just "playing for fans." Whether you’re on stage, behind the soundboard, or in the pit, we’re all there for the same reason. It’s a collective exorcism. In those moments, we aren't just playing notes or listening to songs; It’s a communal release that keeps us all sane.
What does WARSIDE have planned for the coming months? If you have a message for fans, labels, or promoters, this is the place…
First off, I want to give a massive thanks to everyone who supports our vision every single day. Right now, our main focus is the launch of "Cognitive Extinction". We have about ten shows lined up across France for 2026, and we're grinding behind the scenes to prepare a tour for early 2027.
Our goal is simple, to take this album as far as possible, to travel !
See you on the road!
Thank you very much for the interview. I really appreciate it. Now let’s let the music do the talking. I’m going to put on “Cognitive Extinction” and crank it up loud! I wish you all the best with the new release and hope everything goes well in your personal lives too. Thank you!
Recenze/review - WARSIDE - Cognitive Extinction (2026):
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