The Montreal-based deathcore six-piece DESPISED ICON are currently in the midst of recording their highly anticipated sophomore Century Media release with acclaimed producer/former guitarist Yannick St-Amand. The new effort will be mixed by the renowned Andy Sneap starting on Feb. 10th and is currently scheduled for a May release. The group will also kick off a three-week Canadian/U.S. tour as direct support to JOB FOR A COWBOY on Feb. 28th before heading to Europe in March with UNEARTH, JOB FOR A COWBOY and DAATH. Alex Erian (vocals) checks in with the following report: “We’ve been in the studio for about two weeks now. The drums were recorded with a click track/metronome and the result is tight as fuck. Some of the parts on this record are faster then anything we’ve done in the past. Alex’s drumkit sounds amazing. Expect more blastbeats and gravity blasts! We’ve drilled holes in our heads and came up with loads of inventive breakdowns for you mosh enthusiasts. I know this is the type of stuff that all bands say, but trust me, it’s true and you won’t be disappointed. “The guitars are about halfway done, and we can’t wait to see how killer things will sound once Andy Sneap starts mixing. He made some of the best sounding recordings out there, so we’re definitely stoked to be working with him. Don Clark from Invisible Creature is currently working on our album layout. He handled the art direction on NORMA JEAN’s last two albums, so you know it’s going to look sick. We’ve worked twice as hard on this record and are very pleased with how it’s coming along. “Also, a thanks goes out to all of those who have tried out/shown interest for the guitarist spot. We’ve just picked the top three candidates and will invite them over to Montreal to jam and hang out with us as soon as we come back from the studio. Future plans include the shooting of our new video with DBM Films in February, with a Canadian/U.S. and European tour in March/April. We’re stoked to finally tour Europe and can’t wait to play in our country again!” Tour dates w/JOB FOR A COWBOY: 02/28 The Outlander ”“ Springfield, MO 03/01 Knights of Columbus ”“ Cedar Lake, IN 03/02 Lawrenceville Moose Lodge ”“ Pittsburgh, PA 03/03 Call the Office ”“ London, ON 03/04 The Underground ”“ Hamilton, ON 03/05 El Mocambo ”“ Toronto, ON 03/06 Maverick’s ”“ Ottawa, ON 03/07 Club Lambi ”“ Montreal, QC 03/08 Le Tremplin ”“ Sherbrooke, QC 03/09 Café Rock Le Stage ”“ Trois-Rivieres, QC 03/10 L’anti ”“ Quebec City, QC 03/11 Petit Pavilion ”“ Rimouski, QC 03/14 The Arts Guild ”“ Charlottetown, PEI 03/15 The Attic ”“ Halifax, NS 03/15 The Pavilion ”“ Halifax, NS