ALBUM REVIEW: Tentation – Le Berceau Des Dieux

French traditional Heavy Metallers TENTATION present their debut full length album via Gates Of Hell Records on September 24th.

A mellow introduction spans a few seconds before powerful chords and drums strike with action-packed Heavy Metal fury from the onset. The vocals are melodic and yet delivered with power, while the instrumental side of things is razor sharp, giving the songs headroom for the rather eccentric vocals which work excellently in the bands native French. With a definitely swagger to the music, emanating from the monstrous grooves and with a stunningly warm production to match, there is a simplicity to what is happening and yet it feels passionate and far from dull. Solos are untamed and soulful with some clear talent in the playing while they often remain short, allowing the atmosphere of the songs to keep momentum and rhythmic integrity. With a penchant for anthemic choruses that retains the fire of the songs, there is a nice back and forth type of vocal diversity which works well with the rhythmically upbeat riffs and beats. Tentation are off to a fantastic start.

Blazing in, most of the songs feel like a main event of their own with a bold entrance, plenty of twists and turns but thankfully a coherent delivery. Some of the more thrash-tinged moments have a more evil feeling and mystique which is added to by the language barrier (of myself not speaking French) but the overall feel is more that of a lost and antiquated gem than a reinvention of the wheel, something the band do with pride and dignity. There is an invigorating amount of catchy refrains which secure the records memorability while the more experimental moments are hardly far afield, but do give the album personality. From occasional synths, more diabolical sounds and the like we can either assume they appreciate more Extreme Metal or at the very least, legends such as Mercyful Fate (corroborated by a patch in the band photo). Whatever their specific mixing pool of bands, Tentation execute a convincing, passionate and empowering piece of traditional Heavy Metal worship that is more than deserving of your attention if you like it old school.

Blasting their debut shows a band that knows exactly what they want. Perhaps forgoing some originality is a price they gladly pay to offer tribute upon the altar of true Heavy Metal worship. Taking cues from the greats without robbing their graves, Tentation make a bold entry with their first LP.