ORKHYS: A Way (MELODIC METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Just one year after the first EP "Awakening", we find Orkhys as expected for their second delivery. Yes but here is, the project of second EP has grown to become a first album, and it's not to our displeasure.

The quartet still defends to belong to a particular genre and the various influences that compose their music tend to prove him right. The riffs borrow their energy and brutality from Thrash, Laurène's ethereal vocals remind us of the great names of symphonic metal and the Celtic arrangements like Laurène's harp are on the Celtic side of folk.

But the frenchies don't like to do like everyone else, or rather, they try to do as they please, making fun of labels and conventions. Orkhys' metal is indeed unclassifiable and has a clear musical signature. It's mainly because they don't consider themselves as a metal band with a female singer, that Laurène's voice is a full instrument and that their personalities add up to make the band live.

And their music shows it with aggressive compositions stemming from Brice's thrash influences on which his guitar gallops, supported by a rhythm section in tune with an energetic and unbridled metal. The balance brought by Laurène's lead vocals on "The Devil and the Impudent" or "A Brave New World" is the major asset of the band and contributes to its strong identity. Longer compositions like 'Blood Ties' with its poignant concept and its ten minutes would have hardly seen the day on a simple EP. As well as the cover of 'The Clansman' by Iron Maiden during the Blaze Bailey period, a track inspired by Mel Gibson's "Braveheart" and perfectly fitting to the Celtic universe of the band. Laurène sings it differently for a result of a beautiful authenticity. This is enough to reconcile Iron Maiden fans with this track, often refractory to the Bailey period.

To say that "The Way" is a success is obvious, but to emphasize the rise of an endearing band with simple and authentic musical principles seems more relevant to us. All metal fans will find in "The Way" reasons to rejoice because Orkhys proposes a very personal vision of the music, devoid of any interest or calculation. Add to that a home-made production of a beautiful clarity and you will understand that this album is warmly recommended. - Official website

ORKHYS

A WAY

M-O-MUSIC

MELODIC METAL