Maurizio Iacono, frontman and bassist of Canadian death metal band Kataklysm, has spoken to Blabbermouth about the group's evolution over 35 years, ahead of a North American tour supporting Six Feet Under. He reflected on taking over vocal duties in 1998 from original singer Sylvain Houde, whose chaotic, unconventional style on early albums such as 1995's "Sorcery" and 1996's "Temple Of Knowledge" was almost impossible to replicate, prompting the band to shift towards a more groove-based, accessible sound that has defined their career since.

Iacono recalled the challenges of stepping into the frontman role, including a gruelling early North American tour with Dismember, Krisiun and Shadows Fall conducted in a cramped minivan due to limited funds. Kataklysm's most celebrated period includes a run of albums from 2001's "Epic (The Poetry Of War)" through to 2006's "In The Arms Of Devastation", all extensively toured, with the band continuing to promote a self-styled "controlled chaos" sound to this day.