The Ills of Modern Man

Released in 2007, 'The Ills of Modern Man' is widely considered the definitive statement from Montreal's Despised Icon and a cornerstone of the deathcore genre. While their previous work laid the groundwork, this album perfected the 'dual-vocal' formula, featuring Alexandre Erian and Steve Marois trading off between high-pitched screams and deep, guttural growls. Musically, the album is a bridge between the technicality of bands like Cryptopsy and the rhythmic breakdowns of the hardcore scene. Lyrically, it departs from typical death metal tropes of gore, instead focusing on personal struggles, regret, and the psychological pressures of modern life. Produced with a clean, modern edge, it helped set the sonic standard for the 'Century Media sound' of the era. Its inclusion in retrospective 'best of' lists confirms its lasting influence on the subsequent decade of extreme metal.