Crystal Castle is a band from Rimouski (Quebec) that lined up about three years ago. It began with the idea of two musicians: Jimmy Pouliot (guitar) and Éric Lechasseur (guitar). Formed in spring 1999, the band is rapidly completed with the arrival of Phil Harvey (vocal) and Régis Grosset (bass guitar). Because they couldn't play without a drummer, they contacted Michel Gagnon, from the ex-band States of Mind (RIP). Altough, Crystal Castle is nothing else than a side band for Michel. On the beginning of december 1999, Michel quit the band, having no time to give for two bands. In the search of a new drummer, Crystal Castle had to practice with a drum machine. On april 2000, the search get to an end.. Francis Marmen (ex-Gorelust, ex-Dragonlord et ex-Immortellys) came with enthousiasm to take the free place. At the same time, one is arriving and an other quits: Jimmy left the band for personnal reasons. Practicing only covers and with a few shows scheduled, the guys called immediately for the precious help of Simon Laliberté, guitarist for the band Absolute Grief. At this time, they were playing songs from bands like Angra, Edguy, Rhapsody, Labyrinth, Death, Control denied, Children of Bodom and others.
After the scheduled shows were done, Simon returned full time in his project. Éric showed his idea to be the only guitarist of the band. This decision was certainly not pleasing the other members. At the end of mai 2000, for beginning a solo project, Éric left Crystal Castle. This new took each of all the members by surprise. Without losing any time, Régis and Phil looked to recall Jimmy. This one accepted and rejoined the band for the second time. At the same occasion, Jérôme Bérubé was really surprised and happy by the proposition to became the second guitarist of the band. Knowing Jérôme for a little while, all were sure of the dynamism he could give for the band. At this point, Crystal Castle decided to stop doing cover songs to begin to compose their own material.
They composed 8 songs in 4 months and released their first full-lenghted album. They decided to autoproduce all their work on the album, because they were not having enough money to produce in studio. All was done by the members, including taping, mixing, the cover booklet, etc. Taping the album and all the stuff affiliated to it took one year to the band. They released in december 2001, their first full-lenght album " October Hymns ". Crystal Castle plays Power-Trash Metal music.
2002 is a year for them to do promotion, shows, and compose their second album. They are playing in some places in Quebec (Quebec city, Rimouski, Montreal, Lac-au-Saumon), and the november 16th show with Blind Guardian is very important for the band.
Jerome was retired as the co-guitarist of the band for personal reasons. He is replaced by Simon Laliberté.
