ABOUT
Michel has built a reputation for himself as 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 set is his trademark.
The Learning Curve
From 2003 to 2006, Michel played for the pop-punk band WideLoad with which he recorded the album "Une Seule Vie" and toured for several years. After the disband, he remained active with two WideLoad former members. Together, they formed the group Embrained, an acoustic rock band which release an EP in 2007. This project transformed into Jo Bergeron solo project. Michel played on two of Jo Bergeron's albums and played the drums on several of his live gigs.
From 2006 to 2012, Michel worked with the power metal band, Forgotten Tales, and he recorded the album "We Shall See The Light". Opening for major bands like Stratovarius, Hammerfall, Sonata Arctica, Kamelot and Dragonforce, to name a few, allowed him to gain significant stage experience.
From 2008 to 2017, he played on hundreds of shows and festivals with the country rock pop trio, Pixie Lee Band. These years of gigs gave him the chance to be featured on multiple Galas and to accompany many singers and songwritters.
Drum Festivals
In 2010, Michel won the Roland V-Drums national contest held at the prestigious Montreal Drumfest. This huge accomplishment made him known across Canada. This gave him the opportunity to work as a Roland clinician for the next few years.
In 2014, he played at the Capitale Drumfest alongside with Flo Mounier, Magella Cormier and Paul Brochu.
In 2018, he had a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform in front of his peers at The Ralph Angelillo International Drumfest, one of the world's most prestigious drum festival. During these major events, Michel shared the stage with Todd Sucherman, Anika Nilles, Tommy Aldridge and Will Calhoun, among others.
Far Beyond Metal
In 2016, Michel joined the band The Flaying and then wrote and recorded the album "Angry, Undead", GAMIQ award winner for the 2018 best metal album.
He joined the group Deviant Process in 2020 to record their new album "Nurture" released in 2021 on Season of Mist records.
In 2023, Michel went on tour with tech death band Beyond Creation on a South American tour, supporting the progressive metal legends, Cynic. At the end of 2023, Michel joined Death Metal veteran innovative band Gorguts.
Never Ending Quest
Michel maintains a busy schedule as a an active member of his bands while continuing to record drum tracks for various bands and artists. In the past years, he played and recorded drums for bands and artists such as Hands of Despair, Upon Your Grave, Épiphanie, Phil Lemire (Dance Laury Dance) Orphique and Forms.
Michel maintains a busy schedule playing for various Top 40 bands in Quebec and he also loves to fill-in for last- minute shows as well for artists such as Bod’haktan and others.
Meanwhile, Michel continues to refine his playing with world-class drum teachers such as Dave Elitch, Sebastian Lanser and John Longstreth.
Education
Michel values sharing his art, reaching and helping people improving their drum playing. He teaches privately to dozen of students. He is also active on social medias, posting drum video tutorials and drum covers on Instagram, Youtube and Facebook.
Since 2021, he also writes articles for DrumFills Kafe.
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)