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Destroid were a dubstep supergroup and live dubstep band consisting of Excision (production and midi-guitars), Downlink (production and midi-guitars), and Pendulum drummer KJ Sawka,[3] with collaboration from Space Laces and Ajapai.[4][5] The band released two singles and two albums on their independent label, Destroid Music. Destroid also performed live music shows.

Key Information

Destroid promoted their dubstep music with online videos, social media marketing, and online graphic novels and a web page called "The Elevated", using the tagline "elevate your existence".[citation needed]

Timeline

[edit]

Destroid was formed after several years of Excision's North American tours, as well as collaborations with Downlink for nu-metal band Korn.[citation needed] Excision and Downlink began work on the initial music production for Destroid, and then enlisted Pendulum's KJ Sawka to round out the line up.

In October 2012, Excision released his Shambhala 2012 DJ mix which included six Destroid songs.[6] To promote the release, a video, The Destroid Existence Conspiracy, was created by videographer Mike Diva.[7] The group also published on their website an eight-page graphic novel; the plot parallels events depicted in the Destroid Existence Conspiracy video.[citation needed] The artwork for the graphic novel was created by Steven Juliano; it was written and directed by Devin Taylor, and the cover artwork is credited to both Juliano and Taylor.[citation needed]

Destroid's first single, "Raise Your Fist", was released on November 15, 2012, as a free download on the band's website using a "pay with a tweet" promotion that gave fans a free MP3 in exchange for sharing the link on their Twitter or Facebook page.[citation needed]

On November 30, 2012, "Raise Your Fist" was released on Beatport.com and iTunes, reaching #2 on Beatport's Top Dubstep 100 Chart, and #90 on the Top 100 overall chart.[8][9]

In 2013, Destroid released an album, The Invasion.[10][11][12]

Destroid's live show premiered on May 31, 2013, in San Francisco at The Warfield.[13][14] That year, the band also performed in Baltimore at the Moonrise Festival, Detroit; at the Orion Festival, New Jersey; at Electric Adventure Festival within Six Flags Great Adventure; and just outside Albany, New York, at Camp Bisco 12 (2013).[15]

In 2014, Destroid released a follow-up album, The Invasion Remixes. Also that year, the band performed at the Safe in Sound Festival.[16]

In 2016, the group performed at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Florida.[17][18]

In September 2017, the group performed at Excision's first music festival, Lost Lands in Ohio. During the set, one of the two volcanos by the stage caught fire, resulting in the stage to be temporarily shut down. This was not the first time Excision has had a stage of his catch fire.[19] This was also Destroid's final music performance.

On May 31, 2018, "Destroid 8 Annihilate" was included in the action rhythm game Just Shapes & Beats.[20]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]

Compilation albums

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
  • "Destroid 1. Raise Your Fist" - Produced by Excision, Downlink, Space Laces - Destroid Music - November 30, 2012
  • "Destroid 9. Blast Off" - Produced by Excision, Ajapai - Destroid Music - January 21, 2013
  • "Destroid 11. Get Stupid" - Produced by Excision, Space Laces - Destroid Music - November 26, 2013

Songs appearing on the Excision Shambhala 2012 mix:

  • "Destroid 1. Raise Your Fist" - Produced by Excision, Downlink, Space Laces
  • "Destroid 2. Wasteland" - Produced by Excision, Downlink, Space Laces
  • "Destroid 3. Crusaders" - Produced by Excision, Downlink, Space Laces
  • "Destroid 4. Flip The Switch" - Produced by Excision
  • "Destroid 5. Activation" - Produced by Downlink
  • "Destroid 6. Put It Down" - Produced by Excision & Bassnectar
  • "Destroid 7. Bounce" - Produced by Excision & Space Laces
  • "Destroid 8. Annihilate" - Produced by Excision & Far Too Loud

References

[edit]
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Destroid

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Destroid was a supergroup and band formed by Canadian producers Excision and Downlink, together with American drummer . The project, conceived in late 2009, sought to revolutionize live performances through the integration of advanced technology, including custom guitars with LED fretboards and synchronized . Destroid debuted publicly with a viral promotional video on Halloween 2012, followed by their first live show on May 31, 2013, at The Warfield in . Their self-released debut and only album, The Invasion, came out on May 7, 2013, via their independent label Destroid Music, featuring 10 tracks with guest contributions from artists such as , Space Laces, and Far Too Loud. The album quickly rose to the top of the Beatport electronic charts, showcasing the group's aggressive bass-heavy sound blending , , and elements. Renowned for their high-energy live sets, Destroid incorporated theatrical elements like post-apocalyptic video projections, CO2 cannons, and lasers, performing at prominent festivals including and events. The band toured extensively in 2013 and 2014 but ceased group activities after their final documented performances in 2016, with members pursuing individual projects thereafter.

Formation and History

Origins and Formation

Destroid was conceived in late 2009 and formally formed in 2012 in , , , as a collaborative project by dubstep Excision (real name Jeff Abel), electronic music Downlink (Sean Casavant), and drummer , formerly of the drum and bass band . The trio, drawing from their established careers in electronic music production and live performance, sought to pioneer a live dubstep experience that integrated electronic production with instrumental elements. The core motivation behind Destroid's inception was to transcend traditional solo DJ sets by creating a full live band format, featuring MIDI-controlled guitars for bass and sample manipulation alongside live drumming to deliver dynamic, high-energy performances. This approach aimed to push the boundaries of , emphasizing real-time interaction and visual spectacle through custom instrumentation. Early track development involved collaborations with producers Space Laces and Ajapai, who contributed to initial compositions that shaped the project's aggressive, futuristic sound. To support the endeavor, Excision founded the independent label Destroid Music, which handled the project's releases and operations.

Activity and Dissolution

Destroid's debut album, The Invasion, was released on May 7, , through the independent label Destroid Music in partnership with Firepower Records. The 10-track project marked the supergroup's full realization, blending heavy bass elements with live instrumentation, and was made available initially as a digital download before a CD edition followed later that year. Shortly after the album's launch, Destroid transitioned from studio collaboration to live performances, debuting their elaborate stage setup on May 31, 2013, at The Warfield in . This inaugural show featured the core members—Excision and Downlink on custom guitars for real-time production, with on drums—alongside and a massive LED wall, setting a new standard for presentations. The group subsequently toured extensively, incorporating the live format into major festivals and their own headline dates across . In 2014, Destroid followed up with The Invasion Remixes, released on May 26 via the same labels, which reimagined tracks from the original through contributions from artists such as Mayhem & , Getter, and Crizzly. The compilation expanded the project's reach by bridging its sound with broader electronic influences, including and remixes, and was distributed digitally to capitalize on the growing in EDM. Destroid's operational period concluded with their performance at the inaugural Lost Lands Festival on September 30, 2017, in , where they headlined the Prehistoric Paradox stage. During the set, a volcano-themed stage prop malfunctioned and caught fire, forcing a temporary shutdown of the main stage for safety while firefighters intervened; the incident, though contained without injuries, cut the performance short and became a notable moment in festival history. This appearance marked the supergroup's last official show. Following the 2017 performance, Destroid entered a period of inactivity, with no further releases or tours announced. The members shifted focus to solo endeavors and other collaborations, driven by individual creative priorities and logistical challenges of the live setup. continued with , including their 2025 Inertia—the band's first in 15 years—and contributed to projects with artists like , while Downlink adopted a more selective release schedule, emphasizing tracks such as the 2018 Threat EP amid an overall reduction in output, with no new music since 2020 but ongoing live performances. Excision has remained highly active with solo productions, albums, and major festival appearances.

Musical Style

Genre Influences

Destroid's sound is fundamentally rooted in , particularly the aggressive, high-energy variant known as "in-your-face" or brostep, characterized by its heavy bass drops and wobbling synth lines. This core draws heavily from the production styles of its founders, Excision and Downlink, both Canadian pioneers whose solo works emphasize distorted, seismic bass frequencies and intricate . Excision's contributions, in particular, infuse Destroid with metal-inspired aggression, reflecting his longstanding affinity for heavy metal's intensity and rhythmic drive, which he has cited as a key influence in shaping his bass-heavy electronic output. Downlink complements this with sharp, aggressive synth stabs and layered textures, pushing the electronic elements toward a more experimental edge within the framework. A defining feature of Destroid is its incorporation of elements, largely through KJ Sawka's intricate drumming, derived from his tenure with the influential outfit . Sawka's background in high-tempo, breakbeat-driven rhythms adds propulsion and complexity to the tracks, blending seamlessly with dubstep's half-time grooves to create hybrid forms like drumstep—characterized by rapid percussion over heavy drops—and metalstep, which merges electronic bass with metal's riff-like structures. This fusion is amplified by the use of custom guitars, which allow Excision and Downlink to trigger synths and samples in a manner evocative of rock and metal , evoking a supergroup dynamic that bridges with energy. The result is a live dubstep format that prioritizes performative immediacy, distinguishing Destroid as a band rather than a traditional DJ act. Destroid's sound diverged from the members' individual prior works by emphasizing collaborative intensity and thematic cohesion around dystopian, motifs. While Excision's solo productions had already leaned into dark, metal-inflected , Destroid amplified this with Sawka's dynamic live drumming and Downlink's aggressive synth aggression, creating tracks that pushed genre boundaries without abandoning 's foundational drops. This approach marked an advancement in bass music's live presentation.

Live Performance Innovations

Destroid's live performances were characterized by a pioneering setup that integrated live instrumentation with electronic production, featuring dual custom guitars wielded by Excision and Downlink alongside KJ Sawka's live drumming on a kit. These guitars, crafted by Starr Labs in , incorporated LED-illuminated fretboards, assignable pads, knobs, joysticks, and string triggers to enable real-time control of bass samples, synths, and effects within software. Synchronization was achieved through redundant Ableton playback systems receiving inputs from the instruments and Roland FC-300 footswitches, with directing lighting and video cues, while Max/MSP software handled external real-time controls and -to-Artnet conversions for seamless integration. A key innovation lay in the emphasis on real-time production and , which allowed for dynamic variations in sets that contrasted sharply with the pre-recorded nature of typical DJ performances in the scene. Excision noted that the goal was to create a truly live experience where performers could react in real time, using the guitars to trigger cues, effects, and on-the-fly mapping changes, while Sawka's drumming provided organic rhythmic foundations that could adapt spontaneously. This approach, rooted in the project's heavy and influences, elevated the aggressive sound through immediate, band-like interactivity rather than scripted playback. Visual elements were integral, with custom laser shows mounted on helmets and arms, synchronized via to the music, alongside pyrotechnic CO2 blasters and over 300 RGB LEDs embedded in the performers' dystopian robot-armor suits, which were designed by a Los Angeles film company at a cost exceeding $1 million. These high-energy stage designs, including Modul8-driven video projections of post-apocalyptic cityscapes and spaceship backdrops, amplified the project's thematic intensity and immersive quality. The technical demands of synchronizing live posed significant challenges, including the physical constraints of the heavy, armored suits that restricted movement—particularly for Sawka's drumming—and limitations in Live's sample and drum rack capacities, which necessitated splitting sets into two 75-minute projects. These issues were addressed through solutions like Max/MSP for enhanced control and redundant systems to mitigate failures, ensuring reliable despite the of integrating thousands of samples across 12 audio channels. Excision emphasized that such innovations only scratched the surface of Destroid's evolving potential.

Members and Collaborators

Core Members

Destroid was formed as a live band by three core members: Excision, Downlink, and , who brought their expertise in , instrumentation, and performance to create a unique hybrid of electronic and live elements. Excision served as the lead and MIDI guitarist, Downlink contributed secondary production and additional MIDI guitar work, while handled live drums with electronic integration to bridge acoustic percussion and digital sounds. Excision, born Jeff Abel in , , is a pioneering Canadian DJ and electronic music renowned for his heavy sound characterized by aggressive basslines and intricate . As the founder of the project, Abel led Destroid's production efforts, performing on custom MIDI guitars to trigger bass-heavy riffs and effects in real time during live sets. He established Rottun Recordings in 2007 and later launched Subsidia Records in 2020, both imprints that supported artists and facilitated collaborations central to Destroid's development. Additionally, Abel founded Destroid Music specifically for the group's debut album, The Invasion, emphasizing his role in conceptualizing and driving the supergroup's sonic direction. Downlink, whose real name is Sean Casavant, is a Canadian from , , with a background rooted in before transitioning into and . Casavant, signed to Excision's Rottun Recordings since the label's early years, collaborated extensively with Abel on tracks like "Existence" and "Crowd Control," which showcased his technical production skills in heavy, rhythmic electronic compositions. In Destroid, he handled secondary production duties and played MIDI guitars alongside Excision, adding layered synths and bass elements to enhance the live band's dynamic energy. KJ Sawka, born Kevin Joseph Sawka, is an American drummer, producer, and artist with over 30 years of experience blending acoustic percussion with electronic production. A former member of the platinum-selling /rock band , Sawka brought expertise from both electronic and rock scenes, where he mastered live drumming techniques that incorporated emulation and real-time sound triggering. In Destroid, he provided the live percussion foundation using a custom digital , integrating electronic effects to synchronize organic beats with the producers' guitar outputs for a seamless hybrid performance. Post-Destroid, Sawka continued touring with and pursuing solo production.

Guest Contributors

Destroid's collaborative approach extended beyond its core members, incorporating a range of guest producers who contributed to key tracks on the debut album The Invasion, enhancing its aggressive dubstep and metalstep sound. Space Laces, a prominent Canadian bass music producer, frequently collaborated on production, co-creating several high-energy tracks including "Raise Your Fist," "Wasteland," "Crusaders," "Bounce," and "Funk Hole," which emphasized heavy drops and intricate basslines. Similarly, Japanese producer Ajapai provided electro-infused elements to "Blast Off," adding a dynamic, futuristic edge to the track's structure. Additional guest producers featured on The Invasion included , who partnered with Excision on "Put It Down" to blend glitch-hop rhythms with intensity, and , who contributed to "Flip The Switch" for its raw, aggressive breakdown. Far Too Loud also joined Excision on "Annihilate," infusing the track with influences that amplified its metalstep character. These contributions were overseen by the core members to maintain Destroid's cohesive sonic identity. The 2014 remix album The Invasion Remixes further showcased guest artists through reinterpretations of the original tracks. Datsik delivered a high-impact overhaul of "Annihilate," intensifying its drops and wobbles for festival play. Other notable remixers included Getter on "Activation," Funtcase on "Crusaders," and ILL Gates on "Raise Your Fist," each bringing unique bass-heavy variations that expanded the project's reach in the electronic scene. While no dedicated vocalists were featured on Destroid's primary releases, these producer collaborations enriched the metalstep elements across singles and album cuts, such as the heavy synths and breakdowns in tracks like "Annihilate" and "Blast Off."

Discography

Studio Albums

Destroid's debut and only studio album, The Invasion, was released on May 7, 2013, through Destroid Music and Rottun Recordings. The 10-track release blends heavy drops with metalstep influences, incorporating aggressive basslines, orchestral elements, and thematic motifs evoking an extraterrestrial assault, produced collaboratively by core members Excision, Downlink, and along with guest contributors like Space Laces and . Key tracks such as "Raise Your Fist" (Destroid 1) open with a commanding robotic narration and explosive synths, while "Get Stupid" (Destroid 11), released shortly after as part of the ongoing project, exemplifies the album's high-energy, style with its relentless drum patterns and distorted guitars. The production emphasized live instrumentation compatibility, featuring guitar riffs and drum programming designed for the band's stage setup, allowing seamless transitions from electronic production to rock-infused performances. Recorded primarily in Excision's studio in , , the album's creation involved iterative sessions where the trio layered live-recorded guitars and drums over digital bass elements to bridge electronic and metal genres. This approach marked a departure from traditional DJ-led , prioritizing band-like dynamics for their inaugural live shows. Upon launch, The Invasion debuted at the top of the charts, reflecting strong initial digital sales and downloads in the bass music scene. Critics praised the album for its innovative fusion of live-oriented bass music, hailing it as a bold evolution that transformed into a theatrical, band-driven spectacle akin to heavy metal concerts. Reviews highlighted its subsonic intensity and collaborative energy, noting how tracks like "Crusaders" and "Annihilate" pushed boundaries with cinematic builds and mosh-pit-ready breakdowns, cementing Destroid's reputation for redefining electronic live experiences in . Streaming metrics from the era underscored its impact, with early plays on platforms like surpassing millions within months of release, driven by the project's teaser singles that built hype leading into the full album.

Remix and Compilation Albums

Destroid's remix and compilation releases expanded the project's reach by reinterpreting original material through collaborations with prominent electronic artists, often emphasizing heavier bass-heavy genres like drum and bass and dubstep variants. The primary remix album, The Invasion Remixes, was released on May 26, 2014, via Destroid Music, featuring 11 tracks that reworked selections from the group's debut album The Invasion. Produced by an array of bass music producers including Ill.Gates, Datsik, Getter, Crizzly, and Funtcase, the album highlighted reinterpretations such as Ill.Gates' drum and bass-infused take on "Destroid 1 Raise Your Fist" and Antiserum & Mayhem's aggressive remix of "Destroid 7 Bounce," which amplified the original's wobble bass with intensified drops and neurofunk elements. These contributions not only diversified the sound but also extended the project's visibility within the dubstep and EDM communities by incorporating external creative input. Prior to the full album cycle, an unofficial compilation emerged in the form of Excision's Shambhala 2012 Dubstep Mix, released as a free DJ set on November 1, 2012, coinciding with the announcement of the Destroid project at the Shambhala Music Festival. This 65-track mix served as an early preview, incorporating eight prototype Destroid tracks such as "Destroid 1 Raise Your Fist" (with Downlink and Space Laces) and "Destroid 5 Activation," blending them into a broader dubstep and drum & bass selection to foreshadow the supergroup's heavier, collaborative style. Available for free download via the Destroid website, it functioned as a festival-oriented teaser that built anticipation and demonstrated the evolving synergy among core members. These releases collectively prolonged Destroid's influence by fostering remixes from affiliated artists and providing accessible entry points for fans, bridging live event energy with studio extensions.

Singles

Destroid's singles emphasized aggressive sounds and innovative live , serving as key promotional tools to introduce the and sustain momentum in the electronic music scene. These digital-only releases targeted platforms popular among DJs and fans, leveraging for viral exposure. The debut single, "Raise Your Fist" (also known as Destroid 1), produced by Excision, Downlink, and Space Laces, was initially offered as a free download on November 15, 2012, through the band's official website via a "pay with a tweet" promotion to encourage sharing. The track's official digital release occurred on November 30, 2012, via and , where it quickly gained traction. It peaked at #2 on 's Top 100 chart, highlighting the supergroup's immediate impact in the genre. In 2013, "Blast Off" (Destroid 9), a collaboration between Excision and Ajapai, was released as a promotional single on January 21, 2013, exclusively on digital platforms including . Characterized by intense, ballistic whomp bass and heavy drops designed for live performance integration, the track built anticipation with its gritty, high-energy buildups. Another 2013 release, "Get Stupid" (Destroid 11) by Excision and Space Laces, dropped on November 25, 2013, as a digital single on and . This high-energy track spotlighted MIDI guitar elements for triggering basslines and samples, aligning with Destroid's live band approach, and was prominently featured in festival promotions to hype tours. Destroid's singles followed a consistent digital-only release strategy via and , prioritizing free teasers on and to generate buzz and fan engagement before paid downloads became available. This approach maximized accessibility and social sharing, contributing to the project's in the community. No further official releases were issued after 2014 as the group ceased activities following their final in 2016.

Live Performances

Debut and Early Shows

Destroid's transition to the stage began with teaser elements during Excision's performance at the Shambhala Music Festival in August 2012, where the track "Raise Your Fist" was unveiled as a prototype for the collaborative project, generating initial intrigue among electronic music audiences. This pre-debut exposure highlighted the group's heavy bass sound and narrative theme of an alien invasion, drawing early attention without a full band presentation. The band's official live debut occurred on May 31, 2013, at The Warfield in , where Excision, Downlink, and performed material from their forthcoming album The Invasion in a pioneering live-dubstep format. The show featured the trio in custom LED-lit space suits, with Excision and Downlink wielding MIDI-controlled guitars and on a specialized digital , marking a shift from traditional DJ sets to instrumental . This setup, powered by a 100,000-watt PK Sound system, emphasized physical bass impact and visual spectacle, including alien-themed stage elements like crumbling mountains. Early reception was overwhelmingly positive, with the debut generating buzz for its innovative blend of live instrumentation and aggression, attracting fans from the members' established solo careers in and . Audiences praised the energetic, otherworldly production, describing it as a "sight to see" that elevated the genre beyond pre-recorded mixes, though some noted the late start time around 1 a.m. did not dampen enthusiasm. Setlists in these initial 2013 outings evolved from core singles like "Raise Your Fist" and album tracks such as "Crowd Control," incorporating on-the-fly improvisations enabled by the live band's structure to adapt to crowd energy. This flexibility allowed for dynamic transitions between heavy drops and percussive builds, setting the foundation for Destroid's reputation as a high-impact live act during its formative performances.

Major Festivals and Tours

Destroid's major festival appearances from 2014 onward showcased their evolution as a live band, emphasizing high-energy performances with elaborate stage setups. In 2014, the group made a notable debut at Global Dance Festival at in , where their set was praised for its intense bass drops and crowd engagement, drawing thousands to the iconic venue. Their live format, featuring Excision, Downlink, and performing simultaneously, set them apart in the scene. Later that year, Destroid headlined multiple dates at the Safe in Sound Festival tour across 20 North American cities, solidifying their reputation for immersive shows. Supporting their 2013 debut album The Invasion, Destroid embarked on North American headline tours in fall 2013 and continued with select dates into 2014, utilizing custom production rigs that included armored suits equipped with smoke machines, CO2 cannons, arm blasters, LED panels, , and . These elements created a futuristic, militaristic aesthetic aligned with the album's theme, enhancing the live experience during club and theater performances. By 2016, Destroid elevated their festival presence at in , delivering a high-production set on the Live Stage to an estimated crowd of over 10,000, highlighted by synchronized visuals and heavy bass that captivated attendees. The group's final major engagement came at Lost Lands Music Festival in , in September 2017, serving as their last performance before an indefinite hiatus. During the set on the Prehistoric Paradox stage, a volcano prop ignited unexpectedly, halting the show temporarily as fire crews intervened; the incident, while disruptive, became a legendary moment in festival lore due to its dramatic flair. With overall attendance exceeding 27,000 across the event, Destroid's performance exemplified their signature use of and lasers, drawing massive crowds and leaving a lasting impact on enthusiasts.

Legacy

Impact on Electronic Music

Destroid pioneered the concept of live bands by integrating traditional rock instrumentation with electronic production, defying the genre's typical DJ-centric performances. Conceived in late 2009 by Excision, Downlink, and drummer (formerly of ), the group debuted at San Francisco's The Warfield on May 31, 2013, featuring custom guitars and a digital to deliver real-time bass-heavy sets. This approach represented one of the first instances of a full live ensemble, merging the raw energy of rock with 's aggressive drops and wobbles, and setting a precedent for hybrid electronic-rock acts in the scene. A key innovation was Destroid's elevation of MIDI guitar technology in EDM, using custom instruments built by Starr Labs that combined velocity-sensitive strings, LED fretboards, pads, and knobs to trigger samples, synths, and effects live via and Max/MSP software. Excision and Downlink wielded these guitars to control basslines and drops in real time, while Sawka's added organic percussion, creating an interactive stage presence that influenced producers within Excision's circle, such as those experimenting with hybrid live setups in and trap. This technical advancement broke barriers between electronic and live performance, inspiring a wave of artists to incorporate guitar-like controllers for more dynamic EDM shows. Destroid's reception highlighted their role in injecting live energy into during its mainstream decline from 2014 onward, as the genre shifted away from peak popularity amid the rise of trap and . Their high-octane performances, complete with LED suits and synchronized visuals, provided a visceral alternative to pre-recorded DJ sets, helping sustain bass music's intensity through 2017 appearances like at Lost Lands Festival. Tracks such as "Annihilate" extended this legacy culturally, featuring as the soundtrack for the penultimate boss level in the 2018 indie Just Shapes & Beats, introducing Destroid's sound to a new generation of gamers. Members' subsequent solo projects, including Excision's continued bass dominance, further built on these foundational live innovations.

Post-Hiatus Developments

Destroid entered a period of inactivity following their performance at the 2017 Lost Lands festival, with no new original releases or group tours materializing thereafter. The collaborative project, which had emphasized live performances, saw its momentum wane as members shifted focus to individual endeavors. Excision, the project's core producer, redirected his efforts toward a thriving solo career, launching Subsidia Records in 2018 to champion heavy and organizing the annual Lost Lands festival as a premier event for the genre. He continued releasing albums like Apex in 2018 and headlining global tours, including the Paradox Tour extensions into the late 2010s, while curating festival lineups that highlighted emerging bass artists. Downlink, meanwhile, took an extended hiatus after 2017 before issuing sporadic solo works, such as the EP in 2018 and the collaborative single "Resistance" with Excision in 2020, marking a transition to less frequent output amid personal and creative reevaluation. KJ Sawka expanded into new collaborations, rejoining for their long-awaited 2025 album —their first full-length in 15 years—and debuting the electronic duo The Private Language with fresh tracks in 2025. As of November 2025, lists no tour dates for Destroid, underscoring the absence of revival plans. Fan interest persists through archival efforts, with select Destroid tracks reappearing in remix compilations like The Invasion Remixes (2014) and integrated into Excision's ongoing Lost Lands mix series, preserving the project's high-energy legacy without prompting a group reunion.

References

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  40. https://soundcloud.com/excision/excision-shambhala-2012
  41. https://www.1001tracklists.com/tracklist/8yq3uuk/excision-shambhala-2012-mix-2012-08-11.html
  42. https://www.facebook.com/Excision/photos/the-shambhala-2012-mix-is-here-check-out-httpdestroidcom-where-you-can-also-read/10151087429112407/
  43. https://soundcloud.com/destroid/sets/the-invasion-remixes
  44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgzw062d8PE
  45. https://www.beatport.com/release/raise-your-fist/1007242
  46. https://bookingagentinfo.com/celebrity/destroid/
  47. https://www.beatport.com/release/blast-off-eru/1026860
  48. https://www.hammarica.com/destroid-blast-off-new-release/
  49. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JreQrmHH8M0
  50. https://www.reddit.com/r/dubstep/comments/1fh1qa/video_of_destroids_first_live_performance_not_my/
  51. https://www.dancemusicnw.com/excision-shambhala-10-year-anniversary/
  52. https://www.complex.com/music/a/khrisd/watch-destroids-debut-live-performance
  53. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/destroid/2013/belle-isle-detroit-mi-bd9e5fa.html
  54. https://www.complex.com/music/a/khrisd/excision-breaks-down-the-destroid-live-show-setup
  55. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/jack-u-album-5-years-skrillex-diplo-9324950/
  56. https://www.1001tracklists.com/tracklist/1cx3r8g9/destroid-downlink-excision-kj-sawka-the-prehistoric-paradox-lost-lands-festival-united-states-2017-09-30.html
  57. https://justshapesandbeats.fandom.com/wiki/Annihilate
  58. https://edm.com/events/excision-lost-lands-2018-mix/
  59. https://www.songkick.com/artists/441714-destroid
  60. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/excision-paradox-tour-dates-new-stage-design-6752963/
  61. https://www.beatport.com/artist/downlink/102752
  62. https://edm.com/music-releases/kj-sawka-reveals-new-alias-the-private-language/
  63. https://soundcloud.com/subsidia/sets/excision-lost-lands-2021-compilation
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