If a NWBHM band is based in France, are they then NWFHM? SACRAL NIGHT isn't quite NWBHM. Some call them Theatrical Heavy Metal or even Epic Heavy Metal, but they're adjacent enough. On July 1, 2022 they released their second full-length album, "Le diadème d'argent" (trans: the silver tiara) on No Remorse Records. If you were around for the band's debut full-length, "Ancient Remains," there have been some notable upgrades.

First off, the band has switched to their native tongue, which I think is always advised. For monolinguists like me, hearing a band in anything other than English adds an air of mystique and authenticity. I just automatically think they're singing about really deep and intense things. Second, the production values have dramatically improved with cleaner layering, better separation, crisper highs, deeper lows. Third, I think they found their sound. Their debut album was, well, very debut-ish. They sounded unsure of themselves, and you could almost hear the posturing as they tried on the skins of other bands. "Le diadème d'argent" showcases a much more confident SACRAL NIGHT. Four, Antoine Volhard is definitely owning his vocal styling and leaning into his strengths.

Best tracks are the opening track, "Les Miroirs de la Lune" (mirrors of the moon); the title track, "Le diadème d'argent"; and the tremolo-accented "La seconde élégie d'un ange" (the second elegy of an angel) and "Conquerant des lumiers" (conqueror of lights). I also enjoyed "Par delà les lueurs sépulcrales" (beyond the spectral nights), which functions as an interlude although it is the second track. The eerie piano melody and the multi-layered choral vocals create a haunting, uneasy ambiance.

Lyrically, I have no idea. Again, monolinguist here-je ne parle pas Francais. Every time I hear French, I assume they're going on about the revolution, flipping over cars and setting them on fire, or insisting on a fifteen-hour work week. The song titles suggest a story arc, but I can only speculate . . . or learn French. Ha! Pas probable.

All together, "Le diadème d'argent" is an intriguing album. The infusion of tremolo, the layered operatic vocals, and the French vocals all add a nice twist. The confidence in songwriting and delivery is also a welcomed development. And, of course, the improved mixing and mastering make a load of difference. Good stuff, this one. Definitely worth the listen for fans of Heavy Metal or NWB(F)HM.