A band from Montréal, Howling Syn first started as a solo project by Patryk Pigeon (music, lyrics, vocals, bass) in 1998. After many attempts as singer, guitarist and bassist with different hard rock/metal bands from the late 80s until 1997, he found some interest for gothic and medieval music. Mixed with his own style, influences and orchestrations, it seemed like the perfect blend.

In fall 1999, Sophie LeMay (lyrics, vocals, flute) took an interest in the project. Having won a few prizes in poetry, she joined Patryk to write some lyrics and, later, to fill his music with her angelic voice that turned out to be a major asset to the whole music. Since she was not a trained singer at the time, she took classical singing lessons and now takes popular singing lessons to improve her technique.

A few months went by when a long-time partner, drummer and songwriter Éric Mireault, joined the band, solidifying the bonds between them. He has played with Patryk in 5 or 6 bands during the last 12 years, so the chemistry between the two musicians is palpable. Éric also evolved in a few bands of different genres, which makes his approach different from other strictly metal drummers.

In January 2000, the members of Howling Syn decided to release their music on MP3.com. When the website closed, they had had more than 170,000 visitors and 430,000 listens and downloads , all this without any outside promotion and while remaining an independent band. The band has released 5 demo CDs plus a promo EP on Mp3.com and sold a considerable number of them throughout the world.

This music that was, at the time, only a vision in the head of its founding member and main composer, enriched and matured by the life experiences of Patryk, Sophie and Éric, then coveted the form that was rightfully theirs: the titanic form of an international band. Having joined them for live shows and future projects, guitarist Gilbert Riendeau really took his place within the pack.

The release of the first studio album (Forebearers Of Dusk) took place on April 2nd, 2002, after signing a contract with Galy Records. The album contains 13 songs, plus a bonus track, 12 of which are divided into two conceptual parts with the last one bringing the two concepts to a single one. With Forebearers Of Dusk, the band takes on the dark and powerful side that differentiates it from the previous demo albums. The originality of the songs has been acclaimed by the critics, as well as the spellbinding atmospheres and the solidity of the rhythm section.

To promote the album, Howling Syn put on some concerts with a theatrical twist that won over the public from the region of Montréal. The charisma of the members and their showmanship makes their performances more than a simply musical experience. The band has also been chosen among the 3 most promising acts from Québec for the closing show of the Weekend Extreme, celebrating 20 years of metal in Québec. And the self-produced show for Halloween was a real success and has been considered to be one of the best metal shows of 2002 in Montréal. The four-piece also opened for Lacuna Coil at the end of September 2003 in Montréal, captivating a new crowd as well as fans of both bands.

Howling Syn, having signed a worldwide deal with Escapi New Media Studios (Sweden) for CDs and DVDs, now has at hand all the instruments needed to raise, for all to see and hear, a monument worthy of their ambition. And this is reflected in Devilries, the band's first release with Escapi, which is made of more mature material, more heavy rock riffs and a lot of goth elements, with a darker and sadder tone.

In late 2004, Howling Syn and Gilbert Riendeau decided to part ways. Nonetheless, the band continues its evolution and has recruited a new member, bassist Carlo Moscardini (ex-Liege Lord). Patryk has hung up his bass and will now concentrate on vocals and guitars. The band became stronger than ever before! In April 2005, Howling Syn played the New England Metalfest, in the US, with bands such as King Diamond, Dark Tranquillity, Danzig, Hypocrisy, Behemoth, Sonata Artica and many more. They are currently working on their third release, which will be closer in style to their first album (Forebearers Of Dusk). Get ready for a heavier sound and some diabolical melodies. Another dark story to be continued!!!

From http://www.howlingsyn.net/bio.html