Vanguard was born in 1999, when J.Grym, L.Kuitunen and Henri Peltola joined forces to create heavy and powerful, symphonic gothic metal. Drummer M.Nieminen and guitarist M.Seppänen joined the band soon after it was created and Henri Peltola had to leave to concentrate on his other act Kaliban. The orchestra searched for a female vocalist and after thirteen candidates found Suvi G, almost finalizing the line-up. After a while cellist A.Romu and bass player O.D. joined the cause making Vanguard complete. AGAINST ODDS AND GODS Ever since the seven-headed band has tried to capture their music, but the gods themselves have done everything they possibly can to stop the immortalization of this unique sound. Drummers have been crushed to the hospital, three mixing tables have mysteriously exploded, two computers full of material have melted away, the band has been struck by lightning and the latest escapedes from the powers that be was a three city wide electrical blackout - of course during a recording session - that took out their efforts that far. THE LONG JOURNEY The band finished their first demo recording – a self-financed EP-demo – ”Cestrum Nocturnum” – which presents the awesome force of nature known as Vanguard. Soon after drummer M.Nieminen left the band to pursue other projects. After about a year of sending the demo out, producer Lars Ratz heard it and got the band invited to Wacken Open Air to perform in a contest held by Metal Hammer Magazine and Armageddon Music. The gothic metal pioneer dominated on stage winning the contest and earning a recording contract with Armageddon Music. Right now Vanguard is writing new material and waiting the release of their first full-lenght album.