Blackguard (band)

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Blackguard

Blackguard in 2013
Background information
Also known as Profugus Mortis
Origin Montréal, Québec Canada
Genres Symphonic power metal[1] melodic death metal, folk metal
Years active 2001–present
Labels Nuclear Blast
Caustic Rhythms (2007)
Prodisk (2007-2008)
Sumerian (2009–2010)
Victory
Associated acts Epica, Threat Signal, Ensiferum
Website www.myspace.com/blackguard
Members Paul "Ablaze" Zinay
Terry "Roadcase" Deschenes
Louis Jacques
Étienne Mailloux
Justine Ethier
Past members Kim Gosselin
Jonathan Lefrancois-Leduc
Émilie Livernois
Alkin
Mordred

Blackguard is an Epic Metal band from Montréal, Québec, previously known as Profugus Mortis.

History

Formation (2001–2008)

Blackguard was formed in 2001 by guitarist Terry Roadcase and drummer Justine "Juice" Éthier as a straight-ahead black metal outfit, the Montreal-based sextet - was originally named Profugus Mortis (Latin for "Death of a Refugee"). Blackguard was officially born with the addition of vocalist Paul Ablaze in October 2004, followed a month later by bassist Étienne Mailloux. Staying true to their black metal roots, the new Profugus Mortis turned their sights on a brutal new interpretation of Scandinavian folk metal.

Blackguard issued a four song self-produced demo in March 2005, passing them out for free at metal shows in Montreal. In July that same year Profugus Mortis played the Xtreme Distortion Fest in Montreal with Kataklysm and Unexpect, winning the coveted slot as Best Unsigned Band at the event. This translated into a support slot with Sodom and Finntroll, which earned Profugus Mortis the opportunity to open for Yngwie Malmsteen at the request of Quebec's Capital du Metal.

Since then Blackguard has supported and toured with numerous acts equally respected the world over, including Lacuna Coil, Catamenia, Warbringer, Behemoth, Therion, Into Eternity, Ensiferum, The Agonist, Cryptopsy, Krisiun, Voivod, Moonsorrow, Korpiklaani and Quo Vadis.

Profugus Mortis' first professional recording was released in March 2007 and was named So it Begins. So it Begins was more a collection of songs showcasing the band's past and their new direction, the album became the best and fastest selling album in their label Prodisk's history. In January 2008 violinist Emilie Livernois was replaced by former Gotherfall guitarist Kim Gosselin.

The band was signed to Nuclear Blast after being selected as the winners of the label's "MySpace Band Contest". Their first major label debut was entitled Profugus Mortis as a tribute to their past.[2]

Keyboardist Jonathan Lefrancois Leduc left Blackguard in June 2010 after Hypocrisy's North American tour.

On October 12, 2010 it was announced that Blackguard switched from Nuclear Blast to Victory Records.[3]

Firefight (2009–present)

As they have been touring over the last several months the band has announced, during the shows, that their new album called "Firefight" is expected for a march 2011 release through Victory Records.[3] "Firefight" was released on March 29, 2011.

Touring

Blackguard have participated in the following tours:

  • Paganfest America 2009 (Korpiklaani, Primordial, Moonsorrow, Swashbuckle)
  • Summer Slaughter Tour America 2009 (Necrophagist, Suffocation, Ensiferum, Darkest Hour, Winds Of Plague, Dying Fetus, etc.)
  • Tour from Afar North America 2009 (Ensiferum, Hypocrisy, Ex Deo)
  • Design Your Universe Tour 2010 (Epica, Threat Signal)
  • A Taste of Extreme Divinity Tour 2010 (Hypocrisy, Scar Symmetry, Hate, Swashbuckle)
  • Pandemonium Over North America 2010 (Kamelot, Leave's Eyes)
  • The Obsidian Conspiracy Tour 2010 (Nevermore, Hatesphere, and Warbringer)
  • Design Your Universe Tour 2010 2nd American Leg (Epica, Scar Symmetry, The Agonist)
  • God Is Dead, To Hell With God Tour 2011 (Deicide, Belphegor (band), Neuraxis (band), and Pathology (band))
  • Firefight Over Europe Tour 2011 (Headlining)
  • Symphony X North American Tour 2011 (Symphony X and Powerglove (band))
  • Otep North American Tour 2011 (Otep, Sister Sin, Destrophy, One Eyed Doll)
  • Pandemonium Over North America 2011 (Kamelot, Alestorm, The Agonist)
  • North American Collision Tour 2011 (Evergrey, Sabaton, Powerglove, The Absence)
  • I've Failed You North American Tour 2012(Kittie, The Agonist, Bonded by Blood)
  • Silverthorn European Tour 2012 (Kamelot, Xandria, Triosphere)
  • The Living Infinite Tour 2013 (Soilwork, Jeff Loomis, Bonded by blood, Hatchet)

Line-up

  • Paul "Ablaze" Zinay – lead vocals (2004–present)
  • Terry "Roadcase" Deschenes – rhythm guitar (2001–present)
  • Dave "Ablaze" Zinay – bass guitar (2013–present)
  • Justine "Juice" Ethier – drums, percussion (2001–present)
  • Louis Jacques – lead guitar (2012–present)

Former members

  • Étienne Mailloux (2004–2013) – bass guitar
  • Kim Gosselin (2008–2012) - lead guitar
  • Jonathan Lefrancois-Leduc (2003–2010) – keyboards, synthesizers
  • Émilie Livernois (2003–2007) – violin, live growls
  • Alkin (François Auger) (2001–2004) - vocals
  • Mordred (2003–2004) – bass guitar
  • Erik Tisinger (2011) - touring lead guitar
  • Gabriel Guardian (2011–2012) - touring lead guitar

Producers

Discography

Studio albums

EPs

  • Another Round (2008)

Singles

  • United Under a Shadowed Nightsky (2004)
  • Firefight (2011)

Demos

  • United Under a Shadowed Nightsky (2003)
  • Démo (2005)

References

  1. ↑ "PAUL ZINAY OF BLACKGUARD: THE METAL ARMY INTERVIEW". Metal-Army. July 13, 2011. 
  2. ↑ MySpace Blackguard page
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Blackguard Signs To Victory Records". Metal CallOut. Retrieved 2010-10-12. 

External links

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