Locus Noir is the latest endeavor from singer Ben DMN, best known as the former frontman of the Swiss Industrial/Groove Metal juggernaut Sybreed, and is the result of a deeply personal journey, driven by his aspiration to reconnect with the music that inspired him during his formative years and to rekindle his passion for songwriting and live performances.
Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Type O Negative and Fields of the Nephilim, Locus Noir’s sound radiates a dark and evocative energy. The music also incorporates brooding atmospheres reminiscent of Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride and the raw edge of Gothic Rock, resulting in a cohesive soundscape that offers both a fresh perspective and a timeless interpretation of what Gothic Metal can be.
This venture also marks a significant evolution in Ben’s vocal style, as he now fully embraces haunting melodic vocals that merge Peter Murphy’s theatrical flair with a depth reminiscent of Depeche Mode. The lyrics traverse contrasting realms, delving into themes both esoteric and carnal, often laced with irony: love, death, lust, and the bitter taste of parties that linger past dawn. Ultimately, Locus Noir serves as a sincere homage to the Gothic subculture.
Ben comments „I am simply thrilled to be working with Listenable Records again. It’s a team I’ve known for a long time and hold in high regard: they played a key role in Sybreed’s career and have always demonstrated a highly collaborative approach, which is in line with my own work ethos and was one of my non-negotiable conditions when I decided to return to music as an active artist. I also know that there is a real cultural affinity that will facilitate our exchanges. So I was very happy when they told me they wanted to sign Locus Noir after I contacted them, and I know I can count on the Listenable Records team, especially since they see as much potential in this new band as I do. This makes me very confident – and as optimistic as one can be when playing this kind of music – about the release of Locus Noir’s debut album, Shadow Sun, and the next steps in this new musical adventure.“
Initially conceived as a solo project with contributions from both long-standing and new friends, Locus Noir is poised to evolve into a full-fledged live band, ready to carve out its niche in the Metal landscape.
Locus Noir’s debut album’ Shadow Sun‘ is due for release in 2026 on Listenable Records..
