This ain't no new album for the French Melodic Power/Prog band, but a remaster
of their first album, originally released in April 1997. So 6 years later they
re-release a remastered edition (which I believe was initially planned as a
Bonus CD for their second album, but never made it to the shelves that way).
If you've read my review of the first album, you'll see that I was quite amazed
by the performance of this French band. This first album is no exception, it
simply confirms me that these guys rock !
I must say that I was anticipating a less interesting album than Ange ou
Démon, which was released last year and literally took me by surprise,
but I'm the first to see that I was wrong in thinking that these older songs
wouldn't be up to the level of the band's latest album. Manigance
songs are in French and their lyrics are not only clever but also often poetic.
Songs are fast, melodic and with a tad of progressiveness reminding me the best
of the genre, bands like Dream Theater or Vanden Plas.
Vocals are very good (though they are a tad better on Ange ou Démon,
normal since its newer). But the real magical power of this band is most
definitely the incredible riffs and solos that the songs display and that incredible
song-writing quality... The keys are also very present and marry themselves
perfectly to the sound of the guitars. Guitars truly set the mood for the songs.
Don't get me wrong, there isn't one thing about Manigance that
isn't simply top notch. Songs have panache and make me want to sing along and
air guitar like crazy... not to mention the little side effect they have on
my speeding while I'm listening to Manigance in my car. The
6 songs of the original release are all killer songs, no boring moments whatsoever,
with this always incredible progressive song-writing performed by a highly talented
line-up. I didn't had the chance to listen to the original version, so I cannot
really tell you if the remastering did improve the songs, all I can tell you
is that the production is really good and sounds almost as good as their new
album.
On the "bonus" side, the original first album contained only 6 songs
(more like a EP). So to round things up a little, Manigance
added an acoustic version of the song L'utime seconde and 2 covers
of one of my favorite Hard-Rock album, Triumph's Surveillance.
The songs are All The King's Horses (intro type song) and the fabulous
Carry On The Flame. The covers are executed perfectly and are very
near their original versions. Maybe just a little bit too much, I mean that
I wouldn't have mind a Power Metal, more crunchy version of this song. The acoustic
song isn't to my taste but then again those knowing me are aware that I've never
been a fan of acoustic songs :). The album ends up on a song called Believer
which is deflagration of Progressive Power Metal, fast paced song, highly melodic
song. The only problem is maybe the singer's accent, since I hardly understand
the English lyrics. It ends up with a long solo, first acoustic then lightning
speed and heavenly melodic on electric guitar... the perfect way to say good-bye
and a perfect appetizer to wait until the release of the next album, which I
hope won't take 3 or 5 years to see the light of day. But if it's as good as
those 2 fantastic albums that are Signe De Vie and Ange ou Démon,
then maybe it's worth the wait :), because if there is one thing on which Manigance
doesn't seem to compromise, it's quality !!!
Amazing songs, from an amazing band. I'm really under the spell of Manigance,
and that from the very first spin of Ange Ou Démon, and I was
as happy as a kid on his birthday when I first put Signe De Vie in
my player. For all fans of Melodic Metal. If you don't mind French lyrics (I
personally love them !) : then don't miss this album ! Two big thumbs up !