A dark progressive metal band from Montréal, Howling Syn first started as a solo project by Patryk Pigeon (music, lyrics, vocals, bass, programming) 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, thrash and progressive music.

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.

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 16 years, so the chemistry between the two musicians is palpable.

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.

The release of the first studio album (Forebearers of Dusk) took place on April 2nd, 2002, with Galy Records. With this album, the band took on the dark and powerful side that differentiated 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. Guitarist Gilbert Riendeau then joined them for live shows and future projects.

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 also opened for Lacuna Coil at the end of September 2003 in Montréal, captivating a new crowd as well as fans of both bands.

A few months later, Howling Syn signed a distribution deal with Escapi Music (Sweden) for Devilries (2004), an album 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.

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. The band then withdrew to focus on songwriting for a new album.

During the summer of 2006, after 7 years with Howling Syn, Éric decided to step away from music for a while to take care of his family. Patryk and Sophie chose to continue in spite of his departure and, not long after that, they met guitarist JF Burman, who joined the band.

In October 2006, Howling Syn could still count on Éric to join them on stage for two gigs as part of the two biggest Halloween event in Québec, The Grand Masquerade and Le Grand Bal des Vampires, a first for a local metal band. Only in Montréal, the band played for 50,000 people and had the privilege to have the singer from The Box as a special guest for one song.

They have now finished the recording of new material for their third release, A Taste of Modern Evil, which takes root in the best elements from their two previous releases, with a heavier, more progressive sound and, of course, some diabolical melodies. The band also welcomed guest performances by Jean-Marc Pisapia (singer from the cult 80s band The Box), Gaby Koss (ex-Haggard vocalist) and Maggie Durand (a very talented young pianist / arranger).

Howling Syn is currently looking for a new drummer for future shows and for a new label home for their new album. Another dark story to be continued!