Canadian folk/black metal band Blackguard, which until recently was known as Profugus Mortis, has won Nuclear Blast's Myspace contest which earned them a worldwide record deal with the label.


Says Blackguard vocalist Paul Zinay:
"We're all ecstatic to find out that we were chosen by Nuclear Blast as their contest winners . To be able to work with such a prestigious label is an honour and a privilege. As we head into 2009 we're all confident that this is going to be a huge year for us and with Nuclear Blast behind us there's no reason why it shouldn't "


Jaap Wagemaker of Nuclear Blast commented:
"When we decided to organize a MySpace Contest where up and coming (unsigned) bands could win a record deal with Nuclear Blast, we never expected that we would receive almost 3000 entries to check out over the 5 months of this competition! We want to thank all the bands that have participated on this contest trying to fullfill their dreams for a record deal! After listening to all the almost 3000 bands and making a final selection, we have found a winner!! Nuclear Blast is really proud to announce the signing of a very young and talented new band from Canada - BLACKGUARD!!! I am sure you have seen the name online already as they are booked on the Paganfest in the US!! The band has already finished recording their debut album "Profugus Mortis"! The album will be out March 20th and I can promise you this will appeal to all fans of bands like WINTERSUN, ENSIFERUM and KORPIKLAANI but with more brutal vocals! The musicianship is outstanding! Needless to say that we are very proud to have found this diamond in the rough!! BLACKGUARD will be one of the most important bands for Nuclear Blast in 2009 and beyond!"


In April and May Blackguard will be on a tour through Canada and the USA as part of the Paganfest package also featuring Korpiklaani, Eluveitie, Primordial, Moonsorrow and Swashbuckle.

Source:	nuclearblast.de
Band profile:	Blackguard
Event:	Paganfest N. America Tour