DUO – Legends of Metal : 5 infamous bands from Quebec – vol.1 & 2

Legends of Metal : 5 infamous bands from Quebec – vol.1

Félix B. Desfossés
Siris
SkullyPop
Steph Dumais
François Simard
Guillaume Menuel
Christian Quesnel

From its inception, heavy metal music has been divisive. The more naive believed that this musical genre would only last for a while, that it was just a trend, a phase. Over 50 years after the emergence of Black Sabbath, it’s clear that metal is here to stay. But how is it possible for such a marginal and brutal musical style to endure without the support of radios and galas? The answer lies in the loyalty of its fans and the intense passion of its artists, all around the world.

In the metal universe, Quebec is not left behind. On the contrary! Several pioneers who paved the metal path here have also had an influence far beyond our borders. This album presents the story of five legendary Quebecois bands that have had extraordinary careers. The narrative takes us behind the scenes of this culture, transcending darkness and chaos, destruction and death, to make room for a human side. Thus, we uncover the “Spinal Tap” moments experienced by these groups, from practice spaces to international tours, as well as the dramas and obstacles overcome through the power of their passion.

The comic artists who participated in this documentary project offer you immersive experiences in the world of Voivod, Gorguts, Anonymus, Despised Icon, and Forteresse, as well as in the world of Quebec’s counterculture pioneers, the group Aut’Chose. Each of these stories unfolds under the pen of Félix B. Desfossés, an author well-versed in the history of music in this region.

Legends of Metal : 5 infamous bands from Quebec – vol.2

Kristof G.
Julien Dallaire-Charest
Guillaume Menuel
Voro
Félix LaFlamme
François Lapierre
Jeik Dion

Born in the shadows half a century ago and often demonized by the media, Heavy Metal has forged its own path, striking a powerful chord with countless voices. This thunderous genre has always been fueled by the passion of its legions of devoted fans, drawing its strength from the raw energy it unleashes. With such a rich culture and an avant-garde spirit, Québec has seen the rise of countless artists who have forever left their mark on the history of local metal — and sometimes even on the global stage.

Penned by seasoned cultural journalist Christophe “Kristof G.” Gagné, this second volume of The History of 5 Great Metal Bands from Québec is elevated by the graphic interpretation of a collective of renowned comic artists: Julien Dallaire-Charest, Jeik Dion, Félix LaFlamme, François Lapierre, Guillaume Menuel, and VoRo.

This graphic showcase shines a spotlight on the extreme metal of B.A.R.F., the technical death metal of Cryptopsy, the blackened death metal of Necronomicon, the classic heavy metal of Sword, and the genre-defying metal of Voïvod (the second decade). As an opening act, readers will also discover a lesser-known but highly influential figure: tape trader Wayne Archibald.

Through moments of pure creative chaos, unforgettable anecdotes, moving stories, and incredible encounters, this album pays tribute to a handful of Québec metal bands that helped shape the genre as we know it today, while continuing to inspire generations of passionate fans both here and abroad.

– English version