French band DARKNATION was formed back in 2003, and is still an active unit as of 2014, just now supporting their second album “”WW II” from 2013. But when they started out as a band it was with a different line-up than the one they have today, and it was this first incarnation of the band recorded and released their first album “Merci Pour le Mal” back in 2006, issued through French label Brennus Music.
It is a peculiar journey Darknation invites us on with their first album, a disc filled to the brim of familiar sounding moods, atmospheres and especially guitar riffs, those more well versed in metal in general and 80’s and 90’s varieties of it in particular will presumably have a field day in finding trace details from a vast amount of bands incorporated into Darknation’s different compositions. Initially this is an easy task however, as the opening atmospheric piece Renaissance in all it’s symphony inspired melancholic beauty is followed by Bombe Humaine, a track that has Iron Maiden written all over it on just about all levels. The snarly lead vocals of Olivier adding a certain Paul Di’Anno meets Kirk Hammett feel admittedly, which takes some getting used to as the language is French, but just about every other detail on this composition comes with an almost certifiable Iron Maiden sound and touch to it.
But from 24 Aout 1572 and onwards the canvas starts to expand. Still familiar sounding material, but now with pacier, more aggressive riff patterns taking the lead, with references to Metallica and Megadeth in terms of sound and expression first and foremost, combined with Iron Maiden tinged details in a fairly engaging overall blend. Especially the combination of thrash-oriented riff constructions with Maiden style dual harmony soloing works very well, and for the occasional acoustic guitar interlude it is the thrash metal ballad that appears to be the guiding light for these select few inserts and Metallica’s take on that in particular. Other possible points of reference which I thought I whiffed subtle details from here and there are bands like Helloween and Anthrax, and on a couple of occasions I found myself thinking about Celtic Frost too. The latter limited to a few reverb details admittedly.
Fairly intense thrash metal old school style with plenty of nods to Iron Maiden is the end result, an entertaining romp through riff patterns combining the massive and majestic with the occasional quirky and melodic in a compact arrangement that maintains nerve and tension with relative ease. A fun experience as long as you don’t mind familiar sounding material. The lead vocals is probably something of an acquired taste though, but if snarly French vocals isn’t a problem and you’re curious about how a blend of old school thrash and Iron Maiden sounds, Darknation’s debut album “Merci Pour le Mal” is worth an investigation.
My rating: 75/100
