Ελληνικά
French death/thrash slaughtermasters Massacra explode back via Massacra Legacy, ripping open the “Deathrash” trilogy—Final Holocaust, Enjoy the Violence, Signs of the Decline—with blistering European raids. Drummer Chris Palengat, who hammered the chaos 1988-1992, unleashes the reunion fire, gig assaults, and blueprints for album four. Brace for the blastbeats.
Even though our devoted die-hard readers definitely know you very well still our younger readers may have missed Massacra, can you give us a bio of the band for them ?
Massacra is a French metal band that released Three demos and five albums from 1987 to 1997. I was the band’s drummer from 1988 to 1992 and contributed to the success of the “Deathrash” trilogy: Final Holocaust, Enjoy the Violence, and Signs of the Decline. We were pioneers of this kind of extreme metal and among the first in France to play what we now call blastbeat. Afterward, the band evolved toward a more groove-oriented metal sound and disbanded following the death of Fred Death, guitarist and singer.
Massacra fans have waited decades for this—can you share the official details on the trilogy LIVE announcement? Which three classic albums are you bringing back to the stage, and what’s the rollout plan for shows?
As you can see on our social media channels we launched the band in May 2025. Since then, we’ve played 5 gigs and festivals in France, and four more are planned for 2026, including one in Germany and one in Spain. We hope to play more in Europe in 2027/2028.
You can find us on our website, facebook, instagram or youtube for the last news. www.massacralegacy.com, www.facebook.com/massacralegacy.
What sparked this reunion and decision to perform the trilogy live now, after all these years? Was there a specific catalyst, like fan demand or a personal milestone?
In early 2024, the Mennecy Metal Festival contacted me to organize a talk about my 4 years with Massacra. After initially declining the invitation, I took some time to reflect and delve into my archives. My entire past came flooding back to me at once, and it was a psychological shock. I gave the talk in September, and the audience challenged me to reform the band with Pascal and Jean Marc. I found them, but both refused to come back. They no longer play music but have given me permission to perform the trilogy with Massacra Legacy.
“Final Holocaust”, “Enjoy the Violence” & “Signs of the Decline” defined early ’90s death/thrash—how will you recreate that raw energy live in 2026, with modern production and stage setups?
We are older but we can transfer the energy with a better sound in live concert. I’ve decided to play some songs with a clic track to control the intensity. It’s less wild but powerfull. I also play with my drum kit as often as possible because it’s the Yamaha Rock Tour Custom that I used on the album Enjoy the Violence.
The trilogy has iconic riffs and atmosphere; which tracks from each album are must-plays, and are there any rare deep cuts or surprises planned for the setlists?
Each title track of albums is a must-play, and we select a setlist based on the show’s length. We also played Troops Of Death with a bass intro. It’s an old song from the second demo tape but it was a good way to reintroduce Massacra to the public. We also pay tribute to Fread Death during the show because Massacra Legacy is a part of a certain continuity.
Massacra’s sound blended death metal ferocity with progressive twists—how has the band’s lineup evolved for these shows, and what fresh dynamics will that bring to the classics?
We’ve built a celebration of the trilogy, with symbolic torches, a tribute to Fred Death, and catchy titles. We are a team of 10 people working to produce a high-quality sound and light show. I auditioned local musicians to facilitate rehearsals together, as I needed to get back into shape.
Looking back, what do you consider the biggest challenges during the recording of these trilogy albums, and how do those experiences shape your approach to performing them live today?
We were young and inexperienced, and that’s precisely why these albums sound so raw. No perfectionism, no total control, just energy and rage. Today it’s different, and we play with more maturity while trying to maintain the energy of the songs. I’m glad my health allows me to play the drums so intensely at my age. I use branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) Powder, which aids recovery and prevents pain in arms or fingers.
France’s death metal scene in the early ’90s was explosive with bands like Massacra leading the charge—how does it feel to return as pioneers amid today’s resurgence?
It’s like a second chance for me. I won’t have any more regrets. I can realize my dream of promoting these albums with my drumming style. I lacked confidence when I left the band, and now I want to conquer the world by saying we were ahead of our time. I’m a drummer at heart and I love playing my drum parts on songs that sound so current.
Lyrically, Massacra tackled dark, philosophical themes; do any songs from the trilogy resonate differently now, post-pandemic and with global chaos?
I wrote 27 of the 30 tracks in the trilogy, and sometimes I think it was prophetic. Every song is a description of horrors of humanity with always a sentence about our role. Originally, “Researchers of Torture” was called “Researchers OR Torturers.” The vaccination campaign was something like that, wasn’t it? Yes, Massacra reflects our dark side… Listen to Gods of Hate… “Today, “peace and love” are just a utopia. It’s hell on earth, and everyone is the devil. That’s why we are Massacra.”
You’ve influenced countless bands in death, thrash, and beyond—what’s the wildest fan story or tribute you’ve heard about the trilogy’s impact?
Some fans traveled over 666 km to see us. Others collect new t-shirts, still in their packaging. I saw fans cry with emotion while listening to us. Many came to thank me for reforming the band. Every guy has a story to tell about their past with Massacra music. Pascal told me that Gene Hoglan wanted Massacra to go on tour in the United States with them, but it didn’t happen.
Logistically, touring the trilogy live sounds epic but demanding—which regions or festivals are confirmed first, and any plans for Europe, including Greece?
We need an agent, a tour manager or a producer if we want to do a real tour in Europe. We’ll be playing in Germany and Spain over the next six months, but I know we’re highly anticipated in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Belgium. And why not play in Greece? Massacra has never had the chance to play there. I feel confident because I know that Massacra is a French band that is very well known internationally.
Beyond the trilogy shows, is new Massacra music on the horizon, or is this purely a celebration of your foundational era?
Massacra Legacy is not a tribute band and we have to compose new songs in the style of the trilogy, as an old school death thrash metal band. I really want to make a fourth album as a sequel of the trilogy. I created a fourth warrior for the album cover and we just need time and money to produce this album. I’m going to make sure the riffs are on par with Massacra’s and my drumming style will do the rest.
Final words to Metal Invader readers and Massacra diehards: what’s the one thing you want them to take away from these live trilogy performances?
Opportunities to celebrate are rare these days, given the global situation. I invite fans to relive with us the magic of Old School Metal and immerse themselves in the emotions and memories of the 90’s. Thanks to Metal Invader readers for your interest and support us.
