Band:	Darknation
Album:	Merci Pour Le Mal
Style:	Thrash metal
Release date:	2006
A review by:	Jeff

01. Renaissance
02. Bombe Humaine
03. 24 Août 1572
04. Sans Toi
05. Merci Pour Le Mal
06. Euskalduna (Da Eta Haro Dago)
07. La Bataille De Salamine
08. Pompéi
09. Le Sang Du Christ
10. Rédemption
11. Sans Toi [v: Acoustique}

When I listen to the new album of Darknation, "Merci Pour Le Mal", one word come to my mind, Killers. Well unfortunately this word will probably only talk to French people first but maybe that some of you, who don't come from France, remember this really good Heavy Metal band from France who had a lot of success during the 80's. Darknation, that's a bit the same kind of music, a good "aggressive" old school Heavy Metal with lyrics in French?

If the riff and the melodic part of a song like "Bombe Humaine" is not so far away of Iron Maiden, in general the music of Darknation is a lot more aggressive. It's Heavy Metal of course, but like with Killers, this music is fast and "thrashy". The excellent "Le Sang Du Christ" (Blood of Christ) is a perfect mix between Manigance and? Megadeth! I'm serious, it can sound a bit weird but that's the truth, believe me we can find the melodic aspect of the band from the south of France mixed with the dark aggressive melodic riff of the American killer? It's not so common and that's a good point for Darkantion.

Like Killers too, Darkantion is an engaged band that talks about problems of our society like terrorism or even History. Religions (Christians like Muslims without any difference) take their big kick in the ass too. It's a bit "easy" sometime but I don't know, there is a special anger behind those lyrics that give some shivers and I'm quite sure that a lot of people will quickly remember it and will sing a lot during the live performances of the combo.

Though remember that it sounds "old school" and some people will be bored by this aspect of the album, but if you still like the French Metal bands of the 80's (plus Manigance of course!) and aren't afraid by aggressive and powerful riffs I'm sure that you'll like this album. It's not perfect and we can see that it is just a first album but Darknation produced a really cool album of Heavy Metal and I think that the French Metalheads (like the ones who like French Heavy Metal) should have a look on "Merci Pour Le Mal". A good start for sure?