KHAORAH “PANGAEA” EP REVIEW

After releasing one of the most incredible metalcore albums of 2010 with their debut “Maelstrom”, Khaorah have finally unveiled new music! The French band released their anticipated four track EP entitled “Pangaea” on November 11th. After giving a few good listens, it's safe to say it's impressive.

The EP has been released digitally for purchase on iTunes. But if you want to break it in before you buy, your ears are in luck! “Pangaea” has been made available for streaming in it's entirety on Spotify and other services such as Deezer.

The incredible fact is that the band has been making huge steps in achieving an even better sound than their debut. This honestly went beyond my expectations... and to be frank, my expectations were lofty.

Just listen to the opening track “Enhance Your Existence”. The guitar work is beautiful, clean and detailed. The track is morbid and heavy at the same time. Huge atmospheres and perfect synths included. The new vocals gave me some doubts when I first heard the teaser. But now that I hear the finished product, it sounds really impressive. Lionel Forest has managed to bring this band to an even higher level. You can hear it clearly from the first track and from the following song “Architects Of Our Destiny” - a splendid 7 minute ballad which is truly touching in every segment.

 
Things get heavier and much more groovy with track 3, “The Wrong Cycle”. It unleashes a more common side of this band without being banal. The final track “Numbers” works amazingly as an atmospheric outro for the EP.

“Pangaea” is a short but intense melodic metalcore experience with big prog influences from one of the most underrated bands of the amazing French metal scene. This band should surely emerge and get the much deserved recognition as one of the more interesting upcoming acts of the continent.

You can grab “Pangaea” here. And don't forget the entire EP is available for streaming on Spotify!

-MATTIA

Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

EXPLORING THE WORLD - MESDAMES ET MESSIEURS...FRENCH METAL! (PT.3 PARIS: METALCORE AND THE CITY OF LOVE)

After our small trip in the deepest south of Africa, we are back to Europe for another episode of our exploration of the French metal scene. We already introduced you to the best progressive metal bands and some amazing solo projects. Now we're going to show the best proposals of the modern French metalcore scene. The scene developed especially in the city of Paris and almost all the bands listed below are from the city of love.

Let's star our exploration with one of the most successful bands to come out of France in the last few years, Betraying The Martyrs. This band asserted themselves as one of the leading European metalcore acts with their debut album “Breath In Life”, released in 2011 by Sumerian Records. Their popularity keeps on increasing in the continent and in North America too. Their deathcore / metalcore sound is now well-known and appreciated especially for the phenomenal vocals of Aaron Matts, with his massive and muscular deep growls. Rumors say they're working on a new album meant to drop towards the end of the year, so keep an eye open. In the meantime, enjoy their video for “Man Made Disaster” below.

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Merch

As They Burn is another heavy deathcore / metalcore band, bringing groovy and destructive riffage to crush the crowds. Hailing from Paris as well, they're gaining world-wide popularity with their latest release “Will, Love, Life”, released by Victory Records. They're sound and attitude might remind you of bands like Emmure. In fact, you can find Franki Palmeri doing guest vocals in their latest signle “F.R.E.A.K.S.”, also featuring guest vocals from Betraying The Martyrs' Aaron Matts. The band will be on tour around Europe very soon so don't miss the chance to have some fun at one of their shows!

Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

Another metalcore act you may be familiar with is This Deafening Whisper, from Paris as well. We reviewed their 2013 album “Duodecim” a few months ago. Read up here. It's a solid album which put this band in the international eye and brought them good exposure in their national scene. This band knows how to be aggressive and melodic at the same time, bringing some really inspired tunes. Check out the second single taken from “Duodecim” below.

Links: Facebook // Official Website // Bandcamp // Merch

We've also promoted the guys from Khaorah, a progressive metalcore from band which released a magnificent album in 2010 called “Malestorm”. They're now working on a new EP with their new vocalist, Lionel Forest. They bring an amazing metalcore sound filled with energy, passion, shredding and electronic touches. You can check out our preview for their forthcoming EP “Pangea” right here and enjoy their older track “Shadow” below.

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Youtube

Straying slightly from the metalcore sound we find another legit Parisian metal band, Beyond The Dust. This is definitely an act you should check out. They provide some interesting mathcore inventions which may capture your attention. Check out their single “Reality Deformed” featuring Jay, former Aliases vocalist, and keep an eye on these guys since their album is due to come out in 2013! You can also witness the madness live at UK Tech-Metal Fest this Summer!

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Official Website

There are many other Parisian bands worth giving a listen to. First of all, the heavy progressive metal promise Atlantis Chronicles (we already talked about them in the first part of this exploration). But also other talented groups like Recreating Shape, Cycles, Indreams, Alaska, Sunquake, and many more! France kicks ass!

- MATTIA

KHAORAH "PANGEA" EP PREVIEW

Khaorah's debut album, "Malestorm", was easily one of the best progressive metalcore releases of 2010. Their metalcore sound succeded to be both incisive and melodic, while being continuosly crossed by uplifting electro samples and some very nice shredding.

This French band recently went through some line up changes. Soon after, they started working on a new EP to be released this year. The new EP will be called "Pangea", and it's looking / sounding sick from the teaser posted by the band a few months ago. We can definitely expect some quality shit from these guys considering how amazing their debut was. So give a couple listens to a couple songs below and get ready for some new stuff!

There's a lot of amazing music coming out of France right now. I think one of the next "Exploring the world" articles might be about it...

- MATTIA

Links: Facebook // Official Website // iTunes