Here we have French Heavy Metal for you. The is their follow up to 2020’s self-titled debut EP, a band that’s made some great progress over their short time together. One thing that does put you off is the lyrics are sung in French, I mean it shouldn’t, but if you are not a native speaker, it’s a longer process. The medieval overtones work out well in this context with many facets of the sub-genre being displayed, and the vocals actually create a lovely sense of mysticism from new front woman Fiona, although there is a certain lack of charm in the flat lined phrasing from some quarters. The album title translates by my searches to ‘The Night Watch’. Some imagery on the album cover could be attributed to the Rembrandt painting from 1642.
‘La Revenante’ follows an approach similar to the US band Relentless, the song doesn’t contain a lot of sustain from the guitars or the drums, but near the end the guitar duelling more than makes up for little niggles that may crop up if you are really picky. The sound is very much in alignment with similar artists in this field and the production that results accordingly, a cool galloping heavy metal assault. ‘Tempête & naufrage’ almost sounds a little like priests “The Hellion” at the start! In fact, that and earlier period Judas Priest is a good comparable quality, the vocals change that straight character in support of originality. ‘Aucun homme, aucun dogme, aucune croix’ follows a similar vibrant heavy metal approach, there’s a meaty breakdown after a couple of minutes to sink your teeth into and some vocal range extension at the end which will work out great during a live concert. ‘Chevaleresses du chaos’ is a lower stance galloping tune, hampered by the tone of the vocal, but enhanced with some great music, often to me pointing the 80’s Swedish scene.
‘Alma Mater’ has hard hitting early Maiden-isms from the start before descending into something more sinister like early Amulet (UK). This has character and style in keeping with the aim of this release to be more that of depicting portraits of old imagery, I like the drumming on this one. The time signatures are more “epic” in places too.
Overall, a strong release, with some doubts on the vocals in places I had to say. But if you followed this band from the start you don’t need to fear change, and for the newcomers, it’s pretty clear bands like Meurtrieres keep the flame burning high for heavy metal in all its storytelling and influence from historical figures and artefacts.
(7.5/10 Paul Maddison)
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