Even if they’re all originally from different regions of Quebec and New Brunswick, it’s in the heart of Quebec; more specifically in Drummondville that S.K.O.D. takes it’s roots. Founded by Claude Tremblay and Luc Saucier, the project really gets of the ground in 2001, when Philippe Legault and François Savard joined after a few personnel changes.
With a classical guitar background, Claude is the backbone of the band. His musical track record brought him to evolve in many different aspects of metal music, from death to speed through thrash and new metal. In fact, it’s amongst the great of the metal repertoire, that he draws his inspiration for simple harmonies, heavy and powerful riffs. He’s also responsible for the graphic signature of S.K.O.D. since it’s his primary profession.
Musically insatiable and curious, Luc absorbs and gets inspired by everything that surrounds him. Determined and dynamic, he brings these qualities to his music, which translates in original and impetuous rhythms. What's more, he’s a graduated sound engineer from Drummondville’s Cegep, which constitutes an additional asset for the band.
Autodidact, Philippe developed his skills, being inspired by the bass players whom he respects and admires since his teenage years. You may think of Metallica, Pantera or more recently Mudvayne. This "happy guy" not only brings to the band a wild imagination, but a rigorous work both musically and in public relations.
In the fall of 2004, after concentrating the first years to writing, practicing and some shows, the band gets ready to record a first album. The lyrics, mainly written by Claude and François, depict, in a poetic and imaginative language, topics that go from daily concerns to deeper convictions. Besides, it’s the search of a more colorful sound that leads them to create a crossover between French and English. All of which is supported by pure, hard and sometimes raw or even tribal rhythms, which in fact reflects the rich blend of everyone’s influences and experiences.
After the release of the album in May 2005, they call upon Jonathan "J" Jalbert as second guitarist. Already part of S.K.O.D.’s immediate entourage, he adds, with his exuberance, a certain depth and energy to the "live" portion of the band.
A new change of personnel is imposed, after François left, at the end of 2005. Luc then takes stagefront as lead vocalist and yields his drummer seat to Gary Sonier. An Acadian, studying in drum/pop/jazz at Drummondville’s Cegep, Gary plays the drums since the age of 3. He took part in several projects, both in New Brunswick and in Quebec, including, amongst others, the group FLMQ, which reached the semi-final of Cegep Rock 2005’s edition. In addition to his talent and his technique, it’s his positive attitude, which tilted the choice of the others in his favor.
Of couse we do, it's actually what drives us the most! The lauching party of our first album in our home town was an absolute must!!
System of a down, Disturb, Mudvayne, Pantera amongst others