France has a thriving metal scene that has been making waves internationally. From progressive metal to death metal, French bands have been pushing the boundaries of the genre and gaining a loyal following. Here are over 20 French metal bands that are worth checking out, showcasing the diversity and talent in the French metal community. Groupe Metal Francais
Gojira
A Leading Force in Progressive Metal
Gojira is arguably the most internationally renowned French metal band. Formed in 1996, they have gained a massive following with their unique blend of progressive and death metal. Known for their environmentally-conscious lyrics and technical prowess, Gojira has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Magma” and “Fortitude.”
Dagoba
Modern Metal with a Dark Twist
Dagoba has been a significant player in the French metal scene since 1997. Their sound combines elements of industrial, groove, and nu-metal, creating a dark and heavy atmosphere. Albums like “Black Nova” and “Tales of the Black Dawn” showcase their powerful sound and innovative approach to metal.
Novelists
Melodic Metalcore Innovators
Novelists is a band that has been gaining attention for their melodic metalcore sound. Formed in 2013, they have released several albums that blend intricate guitar work with emotional lyrics. Their albums “Souvenirs” and “Noir” are particularly notable for their technical proficiency and catchy melodies.
Landmvrks
Hard-Hitting Metalcore from Marseille
Landmvrks emerged from Marseille and quickly made a name for themselves in the metalcore scene. Their aggressive sound and high-energy performances have earned them a dedicated fanbase. Albums like “Fantasy” and “Lost in the Waves” demonstrate their ability to blend brutal breakdowns with melodic hooks.
Kadinja
Progressive Metal with Emotional Depth
Kadinja is known for their complex compositions and emotional depth. Their progressive metal sound is characterized by intricate guitar work and dynamic song structures. Albums such as “Ascendancy” and “Super 90′” showcase their technical skills and ability to convey powerful emotions through their music.
Gorod
Technical Death Metal Masters
Gorod is a technical death metal band that has been pushing the genre’s boundaries since 1997. Their music is known for its complexity, combining intricate rhythms with virtuosic guitar solos. Albums like “A Maze of Recycled Creeds” and “Æthra” highlight their technical proficiency and innovative approach to death metal.
Klone
Atmospheric Progressive Metal
Klone has been creating atmospheric progressive metal since 1999. Their music combines heavy riffs with melodic and ambient elements, creating a unique and immersive sound. Albums such as “Le Grand Voyage” and “Here Comes the Sun” are perfect examples of their ability to blend heaviness with atmosphere.
Mass Hysteria
Pioneers of French Industrial Metal
Mass Hysteria has been a staple of the French metal scene since the early 1990s. Known for their fusion of industrial metal and nu-metal, they have released numerous albums that have resonated with fans both in France and internationally. “Contraddiction” and “Matière Noire” are standout albums that showcase their aggressive yet catchy sound.
Loudblast
Veterans of French Death Metal
Loudblast is one of the pioneering bands in the French death metal scene. Formed in the mid-1980s, they have been influential in shaping the genre in France. Albums like “Sublime Dementia” and “Sensorial Treatment” are classics that highlight their contribution to death metal.
Benighted
Brutal Death Metal Excellence
Benighted is known for their brutal and relentless death metal sound. Formed in 1998, they have released several albums that are characterized by their intensity and technicality. Albums such as “Necrobreed” and “Carnivore Sublime” are essential listens for fans of brutal death metal.
Hypno5e
Cinematic Metal Experience
Hypno5e combines metal with cinematic elements to create a unique and immersive listening experience. Their music often features complex arrangements and atmospheric passages, making their albums feel like soundtracks to epic films. Albums like “Shores of the Abstract Line” and “A Distant (Dark) Source” showcase their innovative approach to metal.
Alcest
Pioneers of Blackgaze
Alcest is credited with pioneering the “blackgaze” genre, which combines black metal with shoegaze. Their music is characterized by ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics. Albums like “Écailles de Lune” and “Les Voyages de l’Âme” are beautiful examples of their ability to blend harshness with beauty.
Blut Aus Nord
Avant-Garde Black Metal
Blut Aus Nord is known for their avant-garde approach to black metal. Their music often incorporates unconventional structures and experimental sounds. Albums such as “The Work Which Transforms God” and “Memoria Vetusta III: Saturnian Poetry” are standout examples of their innovative style.
Les Discrets
Dreamy Post-Metal Soundscapes
Les Discrets blends post-metal with shoegaze and dream pop influences to create atmospheric and introspective music. Their albums “Septembre et Ses Dernières Pensées” and “Prédateurs” offer a dreamy listening experience that is both heavy and ethereal.
Hacride
Progressive Death Metal
Hacride combines progressive metal with death metal elements, creating a sound that is both complex and aggressive. Their albums “Lazarus” and “Back to Where You’ve Never Been” are filled with intricate compositions and powerful performances.
The Algorithm
Fusion of Metal and Electronic Music
The Algorithm is a unique project that fuses metal with electronic music. Their innovative sound blends heavy guitar riffs with electronic beats and synths, creating a futuristic and energetic vibe. Albums like “Polymorphic Code” and “Brute Force” are perfect examples of their genre-defying approach.
Psykup
Eclectic and Unpredictable
Psykup is known for their eclectic and unpredictable sound, blending elements of metal, rock, funk, and more. Their music is characterized by its experimental nature and humorous lyrics. Albums like “We Love You All” and “Ctrl + Alt + Fuck” showcase their wild and innovative style.
Eths
Nu-Metal and Metalcore Fusion
Eths combines nu-metal with metalcore elements, creating a heavy and aggressive sound. Their powerful performances and intense music have earned them a dedicated following. Albums like “Soma” and “Tératologie” highlight their unique approach to the genre.
Trepalium
Groovy Death Metal
Trepalium is known for their groovy approach to death metal, blending heavy riffs with infectious rhythms. Their music is both brutal and catchy, making their albums “XIII” and “Damballa’s Voodoo Doll” stand out in the death metal scene.
Ultra Vomit
Humorous and Parodic Metal
Ultra Vomit combines metal with humor and parody, creating music that is both entertaining and technically impressive. Their albums “Objectif: Thunes” and “Panzer Surprise!” are filled with hilarious lyrics and diverse musical styles.
Conclusion: Embrace the Diversity of French Metal
The French metal scene is rich and diverse, offering a wide range of styles and sounds. From the technical prowess of Gojira and Gorod to the atmospheric beauty of Alcest and Les Discrets, there is something for every metal fan to enjoy. As these bands continue to push the boundaries and gain international recognition, they contribute to the vibrant and dynamic landscape of metal music.