Welcome to the Black Beast Emporium. 

Founded in 2012 by Krystal Koffin, The Black Beast Emporium first opened their doors in downtown Montréal, East, providing metal music, accessories, show tickets, and instrument repair/parts. In 2016 after two location changes, the doors for the physical shop were forced to close due to unforeseen circumstances. Then left Montréal to find a new home online in the Toronto, Ontario area.

The Passion to run a Canadian metal shop started in the early 90's. Hearing metal for the first time, I knew this was my life's work. Somehow, I  would serve the metal community, supplying music and related items to help support and create my own music in the process. Growing up in a small town in the 80's, there was nowhere to buy metal music or merchandise within a couple hours drive. Also, being back in the days of tape trading, it was nearly impossible to get anything in a remote town on Vancouver Island, B.C.

After years of only being able to get my hands on taped tapes, I knew there had to be places that you could easily find what you were into. It wasn't until I was able to drive at 16, I was able to make it to the city. I was finally able to find places to shop, and an active metal scene. Being able to be a part of an active metal scene, and around like minded people, drove my passion for helping the scene even more. I started out in Victoria, B.C. as a metal D.J. at a few bars, and at the community campus radio. As well as playing and booking a fair amount of shows.

Over a decade thriving in the Victoria metal Scene, it was time to move on. In 2011, I decided to move to Montréal, to open a metal shop and see how the scene was on the other side of the country.  What a move that was! The Montréal metal community embraced and supported me with open arms and allowed me to thrive. Not only to open the metal shop I had dreamed of running but also to book shows, play in bands, podcast on local radio, being a scene tech on large and small stages, and helping out wherever I could.

In 2016, the shop space took a hit by having the whole street in front dug up. It was time to move once more. By an unexpected set of circumstances, I found myself just outside of Toronto, Ontario. Once again, I was embraced in another scene in Canada. Finally finding my way to continue serving the community through this online shop and running a label, Von Frost Koffin Records. 

I hope to continue on this path of metal my life has taken me on. Serving many more metal communities to come. I have a passion for metal and it definitely was not a phase. I hope you all enjoy my offerings, and I look forward to continuing to be a part of such a wonderful global metal community! 

~Krystal Koffin
TBB & VFKR
Spreading the word of metal!
Support your local artist, labels and shops!

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