ABOUT
Michel built a reputation of a musical chameleon, technical master and deep pocket player with a unique personality. Being as proficient on a talk-show gig, a death metal recording session or on a Top 40 live gig is his trademark.
From his early teen years up to now, he gained a vast experience in recording and live performance in different styles of music, having recorded over 20 albums, played in the house band for a popular TV show, toured internationally, played hundreds of shows and won a national drumming contest.
He joined the death-metal avant-garde legendary band GORGUTS in 2023. The band is currently working on their long awaited 7th album which will be released worldwide via Season of mist records. The 35 years long band’s legacy will continue to shine through this new music coming up with international touring.
Beside his involvement with this metal band, Michel maintains a busy schedule playing with top 40 bands around town, teaching to a dozen students, promoting his craft online, writing articles for Drumfills Kafe and recording for various bands and artists. The future is bright ahead!
Michel plays exclusively Pearl drums and Sabian cymbals.
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)