I do not know how popular this band is in its homeland (France)… but I have to say that if you are willing to make a breakthrough out of your own country (and you are not English or American) then you must have English lyrics. Like it or not… that’s the deal… English lyrics are more than a necessity… if you wish your music to be heard by a bigger audience. Elsewise, you can choose to sing in Spanish and hope that you will be famous in Latin America or the Spanish speaking counties… which are far too many by the way.

 

“Anachromie” is the third work of the band which was formed in 2001 in Lyon, France and they also released “Gaia” in 2005 and “Lueurs” in 2009. Kells play a mix of nu metal with alternative-modern rock/metal… along with some hardcore and a few death metal influences. They are influenced by (which else?) Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, Within Temptation, Gathering, Sinergy, Kittie, Otep, Arch Enemy among other… but they have filtered their influences under a more modern sound with various metalcore features. They sound OK… on the one hand you have Virginie’s melodic nice voice and on the other hand she’s screaming like a demonical creature (in some songs). The production is very modern and powerful and is a plus to the whole result. Naturally, that’s no surprise, ‘cause the album was recorded and mixed by Yann Klimezyk (Mypollux) at MS Studio and mastered by the renowned Ted Jensen (Megadeth, Metallica [inexplicably his worst work ever!], Alice In Chains, Evanescence, Daughtry, Korn, Trivium, Muse) at Sterling Sound Studio in New York City.

 

Certainly, “Anachromie” will better appeal to younger fans that like more modern metal/rock music… and in any case, this is the audience this band addresses. This album has some nice songs (unlike the last albums of Eva and Lacuna Coil) such as: “Furytale” (English version of “Se Taire”), L’heure que le Temps va Figer (shit - this language is in total contrast with metal music!), “Emmurés”, “Quelque Part”, “Nuances” and “On My Fate” (which, I believe, is the best song of the album). They can do better… but first of all, they must get rid of their “childhood diseases”… they are a mainstream band that has some uncompromising traits… and must leave them behind… it they want to go further.