Doomed Confessionary: Jack, Kyle & Fernando (Black Absinthe)
Photos by Michael Jari Davidson
Formed in the underground dungeons and dives of Toronto’s metal scene, Black Absinthe is a Canadian contemporary heavy metal band. Since 2011, Black Absinthe has performed, recorded, and reached new fans all over Canada. Presenting a mix of thrashing mosh pits and riff heavy anthems, their growing presence in the diverse heavy music scene, unifies classic metal grandeur, speed-demon rhythm sections, soaring solos, with modern technicality.
The band’s sophomore full-length album »On Earth Or In Hell« is scheduled for release on March 27th, 2024.
Black Absinthe consists of Jack Cerre (vocals/guitar), Kyle Scarlett (bass) and Fernando Villalobos (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Black Absinthe plays the METAL we want to hear. It’s a simple thing, but it’s the same feeling that drives you to seek out new music. We don’t quite fit perfectly with anyone, because we refuse to replicate what is being/or has been done.
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
Finishing vocals for the album, and trying to be as prepared as possible for a different routine (releasing an album). We have been playing live for so in long, we are excited to be promoting some new songs, much different from our last release.
What can you be most proud of last year?
Opening for Tower from NYC in Toronto. It’s amazing, because we’ve never opened for a great touring band, especially one on the cutting edge of a new wave of “traditional metal”.
What was your biggest regret?
Not getting to Montreal more than once. That place always inspires us, it’s a great heavy metal town.
What was the best concert/tour last year and why?
The last show we played in Toronto was off the charts. We had Twin Banshee and Loose on the bill, and we’re so comfortable playing at the Bovine Sex Club, we had the crowd going nuts.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The resiliency of young people, and how the rock keeps rolling. It’s great to see new bands, and the scene going strong with a hunger for live shows.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We will be hitting our surrounding markets hard in Hamilton, Montreal and Ottawa. We want to make the Ontario and Quebec circuit a strong run, because it’s the closest thing we have in the massive space of Canada. Of course, catch us in Toronto all year round.
What are your plans for this year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
We want our album to energize our presence in the live scene. Our plan is to connect with bands we couldn’t in 2023, as people experience our songs in a new way, we want them to make a closer bond in their imaginations.
What are your New Year’s Eve activities like?
No plans, but if we spend it apart as a band, we all expect a message from each other as soon as we’re done downing some champagne.
How can people best support your band?
Buying our first single is a direct charitable donation on Bandcamp. This means a lot to us because we want to support the IRSSS (Indian Residential School Survivors Society) while you get an awesome song. Our full album drops March 27th, buy a copy on vinyl when it’s out!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We pride ourselves on writing songs, not to a specific genre. In 2024, metalheads can expect an album with something on it from all the corners of the contemporary metal world!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well