Headshot for Blackguard

Blackguard

If ever there was a test case proving that hard work, tenacity, a healthy amount suffering and word of mouth pays off, Blackguard is it. Formed in 2001 as a genuine black metal outfit, the heavy metal sextet began as lesser known “PROFUGUS MORTIS”, made popular in their hometown of Montréal. Hungry for bigger stages, they fought a pitched battle to stand out amongst their international metal brethren, going through numerous line-up changes along the way.  Over a decade later, Blackguard stands strong, remaining the pride and joy of the French-Canadian death metal scene.

Releasing a self-produced demo in 2005, Blackguard (still PROFUGUS MORTIS at the time), hopped on the Xtreme Distortion Festival in Montreal with KATAKLYSM. Blowing the crowds away with their epic guitar riffing and synth infused power; they easily won the title Best Unsigned Band at the event, gaining hundreds of loyal followers.  With metal supporters behind them, “PROFUGUS MORTIS” released …So It Begins, their first professional recording in 2007. Receiving rave reviews, critics were shocked and amazed to discover the band’s dynamic, heavy-hitting backbone was Justine Éthier, Montreal’s premiere female drummer.  In the next two years, the band had redubbed themselves Blackguard and released album Profugus Mortis, in 2009 as a tribute to their past. Top of the line production quality, controlled vocals and killer keyboard solos eventually got the attention of Victory Records, who added Blackguard to their metal roster in 2010.

With a lineup of vocalist Zinay, Mailloux on bass, Terry Deschenes and Louis Jacques on guitar and Justine on drums, Blackguard has been keeping busy churning out epic-metal for the masses. Playing what can only be described as “warrior metal”, fans are transported to an immense battle field, getting hit by heavy chugging bass lines and intricate guitar riffs along the way. Under their new label, Blackguard perfected their epic death-power metal sound, releasing their most successful album to date, Firefight, on March 29, 2011.  Flooring metal fans by their speed, the band had become known for their exact technical work and hauntingly explosive keyboard melodies.

Blackguard released Firefight (2011) with Victory Records.

Merch


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