A Quebec band in the early years of Metal, DEAF DEALER was originally called DEATH DEALER. There were founded in 1980 and produced a 15 track demo in 1983 before changing the band name. Bassist Jean Fortin (a.k.a. J.P. Forsyth) had briefly occupied the same position in a formative version of VOIVOD. DEAF DEALER had the track 'Cross My Way' on the Metal Blade Records 'Metal Massacre IV' compilation.

Their fortune seemed to be on the rise as they were signed to Mercury/Polygram in Canada for a two album deal and to Metal Blade in the States. In 1986 the band released their debut, 'Keeper of the Flame'. In the UK this record surfaced on the indie label Neat Records. The debut release was produced by Michael Meese, and the drums were performed by Ross Richard who was subsequently replaced by Dan McGregor.

The debut had major label distribution, advertising and push in Canada but for unknown reasons the album tanked, possibly due to media accusations of the band being IRON MAIDEN clones.

The band recorded a second album, 'Journey Into Fear', in 1987 and while rumoured to have been released, in reality lanquished in the vaults until 2005 when it was issued as bonus tracks on the CD re-issue of the debut.