Feb 243 min read

BLACK ABSINTHE Share New Single "Jean Lanfray"

Black Absinthe, the acclaimed heavy metal band known for their raw energy and immersive storytelling, announces the release of their gripping new single, "Jean Lanfray". This latest offering comes ahead of their highly anticipated album, "On Earth Or In Hell", set to be released on March 27th.

"Jean Lanfray" delves into the dark and turbulent history of Absinthe, the infamous spirit. The band was inspired by the chilling story of Jean Lanfray, a man who, in 1905, committed a heinous crime under the influence of alcohol, including Absinthe. This event sparked a moral panic that contributed significantly to the temperance movement and the eventual banning of Absinthe in many European countries.

Black Absinthe uses this narrative to explore themes of denial and the devastating effects of alcohol addiction. "When exploring concepts and stories relating to Absinthe, we came across the story of Jean Lanfray; who, after a day of excessive drinking, murdered his wife and children. Despite consuming a variety of liquors, it was his consumption of Absinthe that scandalized the public. The murders and subsequent trial kicked off a temperance movement that would see the sale and production of Absinthe banned in most European countries," the band reflects. "The band uses the story to depict the denial ever present in an alcoholic mind. ‘Jean Lanfray’ works to depict a narrator pathetically denying the reality he has caused and showing the depraved actions a man can take when gripped with alcohol addiction."

About BLACK ABSINTHE:

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. Over the course of three EP’s and one LP, Early Signs of Denial (2016), BLACK ABSINTHE has continued to grow and experiment on its NWOBHM influences while maintaining the intensity of the contemporary heavy metal genre. The band draw influences from the likes of GOJIRA, MASTODON, SLAYER, and MOTÖRHEAD, to name a few.

In 2019, founders Jack Cerre and Kyle Scarlett proudly welcomed Fernando Villalobos (Ex-SLUDGEHAMMER) into the fold. BLACK ABSINTHE continues to carve their own path with performances across Canada and have brought new material to fans in Montreal, Newfoundland, and Toronto. Most recently opening for TOWER, FIREBREATHER, and WITCHROT.

In 2020, the band began laying the groundwork for their latest album On Earth or In Hell. In 2021 the band began pre-production demos with JC Sandoval (THE CROOKED, WE THE CROOKED). As producer, he oversaw the entire project, also engineering vocals and bass. In February 2022, the band engaged Juno-nominated producer Tyler Williams of Monolithic Productions (LINDSAY SCHOOLCRAFT, LUTHARO, SLUDGEHAMMER) to co-produce, engineer drums and guitar, and mix the album. The album is slated for release on March 27th, 2024.

Watch the video for the first single "On Earth or In Hell" here: https://youtu.be/dF2FQ4hBu3Q?si=YZ8PXNWRq5vuB3NO

BLACK ABSINTHE is:

Jack Cerre (Vocals/Guitar)

Kyle Scarlett (Bass)

Fernando Villalobos (Drums)

Single Credits:

Performed/Written by: BLACK ABSINTHE

Lyrics by: Austin Henderson

Produced by: J.C. Sandoval

Co-Produced by: Tyler Williams

Mixed by: Tyler Williams (Monolithic Productions)

Mastered by: Lasse Lammert (LSD Studios)