Hevius : “Millénaire” CD 3rd April 2020 Ellie Promotion / Seasons of Mist Distribution. French Rock / Heavy Metal / Symphonic / Folk band.
Born in 1995, the student friends decided to form a band. After many line up as musical changes, the band finally get a stable line up in 2001. Few years later in 2005, the band got its first album done and pretty well received by the crowd. Metal bands who sing in French are rare and the last ones are from the early nineties to be precise.
As the French audience likes to hear French language and is proud to support a band that spread the legacy of its history. Hevius becomes a band loved by the fans. As life goes by, once again the band faces a strong change in its line up and even looses the singer. After many years of searches they found replacement but finally the guitarist becomes also a singer.
The formation is now set for a promising futur. Once again like many bands , the first fans might have left the band behind or didn’t like the new creations. Neither less to say they composed new songs and after many rehearsals an album is out. Reborn from the ashes of young pupils dreams, Hevius is finally ready to hit the country back for the attack.
Not to mention they shared the stage with the mighty Sabaton, nothing less for a small band of young fanatics in love for the music. So when you see the date when the band started and what they have accomplished, it is a long way many bands know. It is so now with this new album that Hevius set up their own style which is joining the ranks of Modern Metal bands.
Setting a style in a mix of eighties Hard Rock French bands singing about warriors mixed with personal life as history tales. A cover artwork giving that idea of an ancient time. A band that blends many music styles, among French humour that only French people can understand. They are spreading good vibes and the pleasure to live. Not too serious they are using eighties comic actors parody they covered with a slight change at the end of the album, and have that spirit in their lyrics.
I let you discover their universe :
Self released and produced, this album is supported by a French organisation led by a lady who has lots of energy and belief in French artists. People will love this album for it’s diverse universe going from French Rock (Trio), to Heavy Metal (Iron Maiden) to Irish Folk music (Alestorm). With a little touch of Punk Rock and funny attitude to get everyone dancing and having a good time.
The booklet has the lyrics and a photo of the band members among funny games (normally made for kids) to show they have lots of fun. The back cover has a mosquito drawing with its face crashed to the clear CD box. Musically pretty well composed and structured songs, the vocal is missing some power to get much Metal to the sound. It sounds much like a ‘live’ recording without a real mix on the voice that sometimes makes the singer les audible.
While I appreciate the music, as I never really loved French singing, it kind of hurt my ears. But I am sure the French scene will love them and give them a big welcome although older fans my rediscover them now. If you want to have fun and are beer drinking, you will love this band that will get a complete festival crowd shaking and moshing. Thirteen songs to dance to with a funny cover that will remind people of those great TV times 96/100.