Oo-la-la, this is a band whom I have followed from the start, to say this is their debut release is a great thing for me to realise. Following an EP, and a great split release with fellow countrymen Iron Slaught, this is truly something I have been dying to get my hands on. It does NOT disappoint.
Tentation are a French heavy metal band, they sing in French which is perhaps their only blocker for worldwide acclaim, but this does fit. ADX tried a release in English and it simply didn’t work out for them. Then you take a look at others in the French scene, revered bands like Sortilége (who also tried English), H-Bomb, Demon Eyes etc, there is something charming and infectious. Anyway, back to the present…
If you love the direction or stance of older Iron Maiden, then you need to follow this band. They are steeped in all the gallops and traditional traits you would expect. But it’s more than a tribute, its fresh and exciting, with a great recording and mix to boot. The album title roughly translates to ‘The Cradle of the Gods’ and immediately bursts into life with ‘L’Exode’. Holding awesome vocal melody and vibrant guitar work, the song starts things off well and sits you in a comfort zone for the sound of things to come. The song ‘Heavy Metal’, whilst can be considered bold in its title, matches the requirements. Galloping guitars, blistering lead breaks and a variation in time signatures…oh yeah, Maiden and Mercyful Fate esq, even a touch of what you could consider verging in speed metal. Guest vocals come from members of previously mentioned Iron Slaught, Titan and deviant Hexecuter. A fine mix of a vibrant varied scene in their home country.
‘Le Couvent’, well, I love it, typically European, some may think of a combined approach of bands from Sweden and Germany. Again, Tentation master harmony, and have the ability to thrown in expectations (which are high), but they also make the song sound youthful, fresh and their own. The drums are hammering down the walls, it all works well. Thus us especially pleasing at the start of ‘La Chute Des Titans’. The song itself would probably sit well in the early Saxon catalogue. Then you have to pay homage to Accept with ‘Le Taureau D’Airain’, simply metal as… There is a desire, a need to just immerse yourself into this fantastic release even from the first spin. Certain albums this year by the big hitter have been hard work, this is not. The chalice of heavy metal is awarded to France based on what we have here.
Moving on to the artwork, I love the depiction, this was penned by Carlos Paima Cruchaga. The graphics by Annick Giroux (Cauchemar). Overall the scene in France should not be overlooked, with bands like Electric Shock, Herzel, Iron Slaught, Hexecuter and the old guard solidifying their place in metal history. But I will go out and say, Tentation are the most enjoyable thus far.
The album is truly a piece of metal history, it is deserved to be in the cradle of the gods…of heavy metal.
(9.5/10 Paul Maddison)
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