ABOUT
Michel has built a reputation as a musical chameleon, technical master, and deeply pocketed player with a unique personality. Equally at home on a talk-show stage, in a death-metal recording session, or on a Top 40 live gig, his versatility and adaptability have become his trademark.
From his early teenage years to the present day, he has gained extensive experience in both recording and live performance across a wide range of musical styles. He has recorded over 20 albums, played in the house band for a popular TV show, toured internationally, performed hundreds of shows, and won a national drumming competition.
In 2023, he joined the legendary death-metal avant-garde band GORGUTS. The band is currently working on their long-awaited seventh album, to be released worldwide through Season of Mist Records. After 35 years, GORGUTS’ legacy continues to shine, with new music and international touring on the horizon.
In 2025, Michel was invited by the iconic band CYNIC to perform their classic album Focus at Maryland Deathfest, just one week before the show.
Alongside his work with GORGUTS, Michel maintains a busy schedule, recording studio sessions for various bands and artists, performing with Top 40 bands around town, teaching a dozen students, sharing his craft online, and writing articles for Drumfills Kafe.
With so much happening on every front, the future looks brighter than ever.
Michel plays exclusively Pearl drums, Sabian cymbals, Remo drumheads, Czarcie Kopyto pedals and Vratim shoes.
Testimonies
(...) Drummer Michel Bélanger deserves to be singled out for his remarkable performance too, his work is never less than top notch. (...)
-Distorted sound magasine - Album review for Deviant Process Nurture
Michel took our basic drum compositions and elevated them to the apex of what the songs needed. Versatile and efficient, he managed to send us, from his home studio, impressive demos to show his progression. Without practising even once with our band, he hammered down the album in one weekend. (...)
If you’re looking for a seasoned, balanced and courteous drummer, look no further!
-Hands of Despair following the recording of the album "The Crimson Boughs and Other Short Tales"
The communication with Michel was perfect directly from the start. The response time was great, the terms were clear and the expectations were clear from both sides. He grasped the feels of the parts I first wrote in an exceptional way and took it to a level only he knows how. What I liked the most about my work with Michel is the enthusiasm he had working on my stuff and the open-minded approach he had with me, he brought insanely good ideas, but was also super open-minded and flexible when I had things to say. Even if the last payment was made, he has stayed available til the end. Michel is a super talented musician that delivers quality with a passion, but also a great human being to work with. 10/10 would recommend.
-Orphique following the recording of their album
(to be released)
(...) I got to know Michel as a gentleman, offering his heavy style of drumming, It's always a pleasure discussing things with Michel. I wish him all the best and he has a great future in music ahead of him.
-Ralph Angelillo (Montreal Drumfest and Ralph Angelillo international Drumfest)