It's with Francis Perron (who worked on the recording of the first album, Forebearers of Dusk), in his new Radicart Studio, that Sophie and I decided to record the new Howling Syn songs that should make an album called A Taste of Modern Evil. So we were back to where it all began, but with more experience and maturity, and we could say the same about our new songs.

In December, Éric sat at the drums to play the new songs one last time. He can now leave Howling Syn proudly after delivering a flawless performance. I also wish to thank Éric for everything he brought to the band, be it his quite original lyrics or his unique sense of rhythm. The album contains fast and incisive beats as I always wanted to have on a Howling Syn album. After those two days of hard work, I was left alone with Francis to play all the songs on bass in a single day - it was something! Still, I was able to rise to the challenge and the bass sounds very loud! During the first days, we also had to place the arrangements prepared by Maggy Durand (La pianiste qui rêvait d’humanité) and myself. The collaboration with Maggy really brings something new to the album.

A few weeks later, I returned to Trois-Rivières, this time with JF Burman, who played guitars on 4 songs. I then took care of the rest of the rhythm guitars, of the solos and of acoustic guitar parts, plus a few keyboard tracks. After our second album (Devilries), I really needed to keep a certain control over what was going on in the studio and to come back to the "Howling Syn sound" that Sophie and I created in 1999-2000. I think that we were successful in that matter and I'd even say that we have now found our true sound with these new songs. Even I am surprised with the results! We really surpassed ourselves and I'm proud to say it!

The following week, it was time to record the vocals. Sophie and I had brought the vocal tracks that Gaby Koss (ex-Haggard) had just recorded for two songs and we had a visit from Jean-Marc Pisapia (The Box), who lends his voice to one of the new songs. Our two special guests added a very unique feel to the album and I'm very happy with the results. I also wish to thank Gaby and Jean-Marc for their generosity and ideas. Gaby recorded mesmerizing arabic chants for The Blood of All and also participated to The Chosen One. Jean-Marc enchanted us with a narration and a chorus filled with raw emotions for The Flower and the Pain. He brings a deep wisdom to the song that I couldn't have achieved by myself, and it really works well with the theme of this song. With a little help from Francis and a few last minute ideas, Sophie and I sang better than ever and we brought some new elements that are not on our previous albums. I must say that Francis really knows where he's going and he helped us a lot. It's very nice to work with someone who understands and respects our art.

The new material is now at the mixing stage and we're sure that it will be our best album to date. I know that every band says that after recording a new album, but this time you're gonna be surprised and you'll probably get hooked by the first listen! Howling Syn will start looking for a good distribution for this great new CD, so there is no release date for now. We will also work on 1 or 2 videos and continue preparing the cover art. We will keep you updated. Until then, Stay Evil!!!

Patryk