Howling Metal, s'il vous plaît

Time to bash your ears again with an explosion of raw music. With a French touch.

Métal!

Most readers wouldn't be surprised that the French metal scene exists, but there is a saying that goes Nul n'est prophète en son pays meaning that it is sometimes harder to gain recognition in your own homeland. This saying is particularly true for French metal as most French-speakers tend to think of it as a pale imitation of American heavy metal. Nothing could be further from the truth.

French metal has a unique je-ne-sais-quoi. A distinct flavour in the lyrics. Rich like red wine.
The songs abound with double entendre and are often socially engaged and enraged.
 
Enough talking. Let me introduce you to some of the leading misfits.

Drink the words of Métal Hurlant. Howl with the pack!

Masnada - Their album Maîtres du Je is a true gem. Unfortunately the band never quite came into its own. They remained underground even in France.

Lofofora - the biggest name in French metal for the last 20 years. My personal favourite: Vice et Râle. Getting the drift about the double entendre now? You might wanna check out the lyrics for this song. They are exquisitely libertine to say the least.

Another big name would be Mass Hysteria. More ecclectic in their style, the band came forth with its trademark powerful energy blasts.

This post doesn't delve into subgenres such as gothic, death or black metal. So no mention of, well the more obscure bands. Pun intended :)