Blackguard – Profugus Mortis (2009)

The Canadians of Blackguard used to be called Profugus Mortis until they won a Nuclear Blast contest on myspace and got a record deal with them. I must say that I’m impressed with this band evolution from a symphonic black metal to a more Folk/Black metal band.  While they still maintain they black metal vocals, the music has been greatly revamped with folk influences giving the band a more dynamic sound and removing them from the ‘symphonic black metal’ clone band category.

The only thing I’m disappointed they removed was the violin that separated them from other symphonic black metal bands. Other that this all their bombastic keyboards layered on top of excellent drum and guitar tracks gives this band an edge over any band from North America that plays this genre, and puts them in a competitive level against European bands that are masters of the trade.

The band’s sound is a mixture of Scandinavian folk metal bands with the traditional Profugus Mortis black metal sound, providing a different an fresh approach to Folk and Black metal. This would be the reason I would sign a band like this.

The female drummer provides a very solid foundation of double kicks and different rhythm changes that the band uses to overlay their majestic synthesizer track. The guitars provide just the right amount of aggressiveness to the music highlighting the power of the vocals. Is worth mentioning that the occasional guitar solos are topnotch, fitting the melodic parts of the songs perfectly.

This release would be a nice addition in the collection of fans of Battle Metal, Symphonic Black metal, and even Children of Bodom (you can clearly hear the influences of this band in track seven).

Country: Canada