This is a comeback release from a heavily name checked French Heavy Metal band. This album features a completely new line up, approach and songs. Disputed band name rights and two versions of the band figure here, so to be clear; this is the Christian “Zouille” Augustin (vocals) version of Sortilège who released ‘Phoenix’ in 2021.
The album starts with ‘Poseidon’, there is a powerful and strong drum intro and guitar work verging into power metal footprints akin to the noughties. Simple but effective containing a nice guitar solo section, albeit slightly quiet in the mix. ‘Walkyrie’ is a marching army on the move, the galloping guitar work and the main verse riff is quite memorable, there is inclusive vocal melody that actually compliments the music resulting in a very positive experience. ‘Attila’ gets a heavy influence, kind of where Alice Cooper went with his “Brutal Planet”, or Priest went with “Demolition”, whilst still possessing the melody driven accolade of old. This remains with ‘La parade des centaurs’, having more “groove” orientation in the sound. ‘Encore un jour’ is this albums “ballad”, I do not really enjoy it, its ok, but it is trying too hard on the yeah’s and ooo’s for me.
‘Derrière les portes de Babylone’ is keyboard led epic, slow power metal, unfortunately the power at the start of the track is lost when the vocals start, for me there isn’t enough volume or quantity of music in the background the support the vocal line. This does change as the song progresses I might add on a more positive note but there was a trick missed for me at the start. The eastern influences part way through this 6-plus minute track seem like time fillers, rather than having a part to play in the story. However, fitting with the translation of “behind the gates of Babylon”. ‘Apocalypso’ is another slow burner attempt at epic music, surprising as the chosen album title track. It is just not my bag and doesn’t come across as being so strong as the speedier moments from this album. ‘Le scare du sorcier’ is let down by the chorus section, but staccato guitar attack on the remainder of the song is very pleasant, again holding power and melody.
‘Trahison’ reverts to an up-tempo metallic assault. A ripping solo and a good vocal melody is used throughout the track. THIS keeps you entertained. As does ‘Vampire’, which is a mid-tempo romp, it gives a nice classic Priest-Led inspired piece of music.
‘Apocalypso’ is a relatively comfortable release, that unfortunately lacks enough consistent fire to kick it up a notch whilst carrying the baggage of an underwhelming trio of tracks which kill the flow of the release.
(6.5/10 Paul Maddison)
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