BENIGHTED have parted ways with their drummer Kévin Paradis due to differences in their professional ambitions. The band stated that these differences came up from Kévin Paradis’ recent experience with NE OBLIVISCARIS and his application to join ARCHSPIRE. They also mentioned that they are looking for a drummer who won’t leave for other opportunities on “short notice.”
BENIGHTED wrote in their statement:
“BENIGHTED IS LOOKING FOR A NEW DRUMMER! After 7 years of 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 application for ARCHSPIRE, it became clear that it would be difficult for BENIGHTED to have a drummer who might leave for other opportunities on short notice. We are now looking for a new full-time drummer who is fast, precise, and of course fully available to open a new chapter in BENIGHTED’s history! Contact us here: benighted.audition@gmail.com
Of course, there is no bad blood between us, and Kevin will ensure his presence at all upcoming gigs while we look for a new drummer. We wish him all the best for the future and want to thank him for everything he brought to BENIGHTED during this incredible period. We love you, man!”
Kévin Paradis himself issued a statement, saying that he understands why BENIGHTED let him go, but he admits that it hurts:
“It has been 7 years. I am proud of the albums we made. Extreme metal drumming, super-fast blast beats and blistering double bass drums, dynamic and groovy drumming — all of that was possible with BENIGHTED. I am very happy when I look back on the work we did together in the studio, as well as the live performances we delivered. I wish we had achieved more, but I want to remember all the great moments we shared.
From the very beginning, when I joined BENIGHTED, I made it clear that my goal was to make music my only profession, and right away, they explained that this was not their goal. I got involved with NE OBLIVISCARIS and auditioned for ARCHSPIRE. I apologized to them for not informing them earlier and explained why I acted that way.
For BENIGHTED, it was not possible to continue with a drummer who might consider joining a bigger band at some point. I understand their decision to part ways with me, even though I accept it with a heavy heart. I truly enjoyed playing their old songs and even more so playing the songs we created together. There is no bad blood between us, and just like I never leave a band without several months’ notice to allow them to find a solution, I will ensure my presence at BENIGHTED’s upcoming gigs while they search for a new drummer.
My schedule for 2025 and beyond remains open to any opportunity, as I am now a drummer for hire. My priority is to join a band whose music I connect with, to fit in as a musician, and to share the ambition of making music the sole profession. I am open to any session work for tours and recordings with established bands. To reach me, contact me at: contact@kevinparadisdrumming.com”
Kévin Paradis was a member of BENIGHTED from 2017 to 2024. The band is currently without a drummer, and there is speculation that Paradis might join ARCHSPIRE.
