BARBARES

Well I must admit I was disappointed with their last album "Si Partie II" but after seeing so many positive reviews about their latest "Barbares" I took the plunge. It was tszirmay's glowing review that made me realize I made the right choice. This might be my favourite from these French rockers, surpassing even "Si Partie I". As usual with this band we get a concept album and as usual the lyrics are in French so I have no idea what it's about, but tszirmay relates to us in his review that it's about current conflicts (wars). What i'm so thankful about with this album is that they've gone back to that heaviness and aggression that I like and contrasted it with lighter passages to great results. I'm surprised to hear some Celtic and Jazz flavours at times as well.

"Loi" opens with some atmosphere that borders on haunting as we hear some guitar sounds. It kicks in before a minute and they kick hard. It settles 2 1/2 minutes in where I love the guitar. Vocals after 4 minutes for the first time. I like the percussion 6 1/2 minutes in and the crazy synths that follow. "19:59" is my favourite. Nice drum intro before it kicks in. Then it settles with vocals. Great sound. Check out the drums and keys. Riffs come and go. Nice. Killer sound 4 minutes in. "Le Film Di a Vie" opens with guitar and drums as reserved vocals join in. It's all very relaxed.It turns sort of jazzy and piano joins in. It settles as bass becomes prominant followed by synths then vocals. It starts to rebuild until we get an incredible sound 4 minutes in. I feel a lot of emotion after 6 minutes for some reason. "L'armee Des Ombres" features some nice crunchy guitar as the drums pound. It settles some when vocals arrive. Contrasts continue. A calm 6 minutes in as piano slowly plays. Drums then guitar join in as the tempo starts to pick up. Nice.

"Faux Semblants" opens with a good sound before turning jazzy with light drums, bass, piano and vocals. Nice guitar work before 2 minutes. I like the vocals after 5 minutes and the heaviness that follows. "Barbares" is the 26 minute closer. It opens with this celtic sounding guitar melody that goes on and on as the synths wash in. Fragile vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. Flute comes in a minute later and it too gives off a Celtic vibe. Interesting. The guitar around 3 1/2 minutes sounds fantstic as drums and piano join in. Vocals are back 7 minutes in with a heavy soundscape. An instrumental workout follows. A calm after 12 minutes as acoustic guitar comes in. Flute joins in as well a couple of minutes later then we get a full sound. Vocals are back 16 1/2 minutes in. I like how the guitar and piano play over the heaviness. A calm before 21 minutes then piano comes in followed by tasteful guitar as it builds. Vocal melodies join in. Nice. Then we get a calm to the end. Time to reflect.

A solid 4 stars and Metal fans should check these guys out.