The Guardian is the name used for two different acts: a Belgian metal band from Antwerp, and the project identified here as Rudy Burgers.

Belgian metal band

The band forms in Antwerp in 1997, when Luke Lambregts and Ronny Smeekens start the group after disagreeing about the music they want to play. It develops as a metal act with an emphasis on high-energy performance and music that aims to reach a broad audience.

The Guardian is influenced mainly by 1980s heavy metal, while also drawing on a range of other metal styles. The band keeps a recognisable style and presentation across its work. Finding additional musicians takes time, but the line-up grows with the addition of guitarist Palle Kesteloot, who helps shape the band’s sound, and bassist Peter Claessens, who joins after being discussed as a potential metal bassist.

The group records its releases in its own studio and issues original material over a series of albums and recordings. Its releases include Imagination in 1999, Don’t Want You in 2000, the live recording Live at TEL18 in 2002, and Dragonland in 2003, which combines power metal, hard rock and traditional metal riffing. The band later issues Renovation, after Thomas Van Beeck joins for keyboard parts and grunting vocals. After internal conflicts, Luke Lambregts leaves and Thomas Van Beeck takes over as lead guitar player and singer. At that point, the band has no replacement keyboard player.

The Guardian also issues a video clip for the song “Dreaming”, which is used for promotion on Belgian television, and maintains an official website for direct contact with listeners.

Rudy Burgers

The name also applies to Rudy Burgers.