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

THIS DEAFENING WHISPER "DUODECIM" ALBUM REVIEW

The past two years have been pretty solid for French post hardcore group This Deafening Whisper. Their first full length album "Duodecim" dropped this past week after their first EP "A Matter of Knife and Depth" set a buzz for the newcomers. With only being a band for two years, my expectations were not set too high for this album. After listening to the first three tracks, I realized the talent that these gentlemen can harness. 

This Deafening Whisper takes elements of various musical styles such as hardcore/metal and infuses occasional electro beats with piano notes. When a post hardcore band switches things up from the typical chug chug chug insert breakdown here approach, it gives them a larger appeal. Uniqueness in this industry is tough to find, especially here in the United States.

"Awakening To The Sight," the opening instrumental track, sets the calm before the storm of this whirlwind album. While this tactic is commonly used, This Deafening Whisper made the track seem natural as it flowed into the heart pounding song "The Curse." The transition between these two tracks reflect the band's name perfectly. They know the appropriate times to whisper and when to make the music so loud, it makes your elderly neighbors complain.

Speaking of embodying the band's name, they continue the trend with their lyrics. There is the obligatory "I hate everything, let's get angry" lyrics that is a staple for any metal band but also metaphorical lyrics that contain actual meaning. "Deadly Antagonism" and "Siren's Strain" are two clear examples of this lyrical value regardless of the screaming vocals. 

"The final hit exploded it/ shattering you to pieces leaving me here next to a wall/ opaque and mute/ You were the one the scale of all evils were tipped on but 6 feet underground/ both our legacies fade and rust," vocalist Alban screams on "Deadly Antagonism." The balance of meaning and passion is perfect and needs to be more inclusive in other upcoming bands.

However, the album has some misses. "Aesir to Mankind" is a forced transition unlike "Awakening To The Sight." It acts as a droning one minute filler that could have been replaced with something else or omitted all together. It does not make the ending of this album cohesive. "Datura" also seems slow to me. I felt bored and pondering switching to a different track before it concluded. 

Overall, "Duodecim" is a consistent album that should put The Deafening Whisper into the international eye. I look forward to hearing more from the band soon and perhaps they could venture across the pond to the United States someday. Bonne chance pour l'avenir (good luck in the future)  The Deafening Whisper.

-Fe

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Official Website // Youtube