Band:	Herzel
Album:	Le Dernier Rempart
Style:	Epic heavy metal
Release date:	March 19, 2021
A review by:	nikarg

01. Maîtres De L'Océan
02. La Flamme
03. Le Dernier Rempart
04. Berceau De Cendre
05. L'Épée Des Dieux
06. L'Ultime Combat

You may not speak French but doesn't this cover of a torn down wall and the shadow of a warrior standing behind it give you a hint of what Le Dernier Rempart is about?

News of good music travels fast in the days of internet and this why the vinyl version of Herzel's debut was sold out two weeks before its official release date. As a devoted fan of heavy metal, I am glad to say that the hype is justified.

With Herzel originating from France, the first band to mention as influence would be Sortilège but, in truth, the quintet's priorities seem to lie more in bands such as Manilla Road, Warlord, Virgin Steele, and Omen, while there is also a prog-power undertone reminiscent of early Queensrÿche and Heir Apparent. So, the references are clearly there but they are not meant to dismiss the album as sounding derivative. The presence of the bombard in the title track and in the outro of the closer, "L'ultime Combat" gives points of originality and a more epic feel to the album.

The songs are longer than what you would expect from traditional heavy metal, which actually makes sense since Herzel go for the more epic and progressive sound I already mentioned. "Berceau de Cendre", for example, has an introduction that is almost three minutes-long before we hear any vocals. Yet, nothing overstays its welcome here and the album clocks in at just 36 minutes. Overall, it is a very melodic affair, a bit Maiden-esque as far as the duelling guitar melodies are concerned, with energetic riffing and a varied pace. The vocals are fitting for the style with a little bit of reverb and the bass is audible and galloping, and reminiscent of Steve Harris (who else?). The production value is purposely slightly lo-fi and offers a sound that is vintage, where nothing is overpowered in the mix.

Last but not least, Le Dernier Rempart is a concept album split into two parts. The first part is dealing with Brittany history, while the second is about a hero named Herzel who, through a series of trials and tribulations, eventually delivers the Sword of the Gods ("L'Epée des Dieux") to Brittany. Are you seriously not sold yet?

Fans of medieval atmosphere and of stories of heroic battles, you know what to do. Let's celebrate the music of bloodied maces, raised swords, smoking ruins, and self-sacrificing warriors.

"Une seule cause, la liberté
Une seule épée, l'Épée des Dieux"