Maurizio Iacono

Canadian death metal god Maurizio Iacono is famous as the frontman of both Ex Deo and Kataklysm. Iacono kicked off his relationship with Kataklysm as bassist before taking over vocals before third studio album Victims of this Fallen World in 1998. One of Extreme Metal’s biggest names, the band have enjoyed a successful musical career spanning nearly three decades, their longevity driven by their relentless work ethic and reputation for fan-friendliness. A leading force in the most brutal genre of heavy metal, Iacono and the band have toured Europe, Australia, Asia, North and South America and made history as the first Canadian heavy metal group to play South Africa.

Formed in 1991 from the cold winds of Montreal, Québec, in Canada, Kataklysm quickly became known for the “Northern Hyperblast”, their technical, super-fast brand of death metal. The band signed to Nuclear Blast Records, but following their second studio album singer Sylvain Houde left the band. Iacono stepped up and replaced Houde as lead vocalist, and the band began to incorporate more influences and melody from thrash metal. Albums including Shadows & Dust – which received an overwhelmingly positive reception from both critics and fans – have helped Kataklysm become one of Canada’s biggest music exports.

In 2008 Iacono formed his side project Ex Deo, a death metal band drawing inspiration from the history of the Roman Empire. Ex Deo released their fourth studio album The Thirteen Years of Nero in 2021.