This French band (spot the clue!) have been on my radar for a while, this is a highly anticipated release personally. Whilst gaining an awesome level of respect in the metal underground, Herzel will develop into one of those bands that will become more appreciated by the wider metal audience I am sure. So, Herzel are categorised as a unique prog. metal band, which is odd as I would put them as an intricate epic metal band. In some respects, there is an element of medieval old, kind of like England’s Dark Forest and similar bands that follow a medieval/traditional historical influence.
Opening with a storming ‘Maîtres de L’océan’, there is many aspects of light and shade. Heavy fast paced moment, galloping guitars, tried and tested epic metal traits. Overall, there is a production value that would come to expect. Thankfully it’s not all boosted and in your face. ‘La Flamme’ starts and reminds of Omen’s ‘The Axeman’, the band take of lot of their style from the early US power metal scene whist adding a touch of their home-grown style, plus some awesome power screams and traditional instruments can be heard in the background!
The title track is an instrumental that makes you think of a minstrel playing for the royalty…that’s all I have to say about this one! Whether this is a natural break in the concept of the album, but the theme starts to change with ‘Berceau de Cendre’. The instrumental start in some aspects transports you in time, I heard some of the same traits I heard many, many years ago in the late 80’s when I was listening to Satriani’s stuff. After about two and a half minutes, the song kicks in. I’m a sucker for galloping rhythms. ‘L’épée des Dieux’ is slower, more focussed at the start. You really hear the bass line in this track. The conclusive, almost ‘Somewhere In Time’ era rendition that is ‘L’ultime Combat’ completes the journey perfectly. Ok, some of the notes strain in the vocals, but that is real, that is almost speaking to the listener in terms of conveying the passion of the music and lyrics. Sustain could be a bit broader, but overall, I do really like this album, I’ve watched this band for a while, I’m very happy with the results and the artwork.
Herzel think outside of the box and give more than a rendition of classic metal inspired by historical themes. They merge the art well and back up their underground acclaim with a fantastic debut album, even if short in duration by modern standards at just over 36 minutes.
(8.5/10 Paul Maddison)
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