DARKTRIBE – Voici L’Homme

Over a decade into their career, France’s Darktribe have released their third album.  Inspired by the New Testament of the Bible, they describe it as personal, evocative and a “brilliant blend of Power and Progressive Metal.”

“Prism of Memory” leads with a dichotomous blend of menacing riffs and soaring vocals delivering a hook laden chorus. It’s an outstanding song and a high point of the album.  Other highlights such as “A Silent Curse”, “Back In Light” and “Symbolic Story” all contain moments of melodic glory and engaging lyrics but lack the depth and consistency of the opener.  “Symbolic Story” is the heaviest track.  It’s prowling riff only breaking stride for the delivery of the chorus.

The remaining songs aren’t able to recreate the magic of combining both melodically active guitar and a catchy chorus.  The use of keyboard accents in many of the songs is questionable.  On “Silent Curse” the keyboard fill isn’t well blended.  On “Faith And Vision” the keyboards amount to background noise in unnecessary competition with the guitar.

Voici L’Homme has good ideas which are sometimes pushed too far as evidenced by the bloat of the title track and “The Hunger Theory” and the suffocating use of keyboards. However, their musicianship and enthusiasm aren’t in doubt and fans of Power and Progressive Metal will find highlights worth a listen.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

TRACKLIST (Highlights: 2, 4, 6, 10)

1. March for a Prophecy
2. Prism of Memory
3. Voici l’Homme
4. A Silent Curse
5. Faith and Vision
6. Back in Light
7. Under the Tree of Life
8. According to Darkness
9. The Hunger Theory
10. Symbolic Story

LINEUP

Vocals : Anthony Agnello,
Guitars : Loïc Manuello,
Bass : Bruno Caprani,
Drums : Julien Agnello