At first I didn't know this band at all, but I later realized that KRAGENS features members of 80's Metal bands like DEMON EYES (remember these guys?) and LYNX. The band is alive since 2000 and has a couple of full-length releases under its belt (from a different label than the one they belong to now). After their contract with Locomotive Records they decided to release their third full-length album, which is the album I am currently reviewing.

The French metallers KRAGENS released their first two albums through Manitou/Thundering Records, a French label. I think that their contract with Locomotive can be considered as a step further in their career, and the band seems like it is stronger than ever.

Their style is a mixture between classic Heavy and Thrash Metal, something that offers the music the needed brutality combined with some slight melodic elements. To achieve that, KRAGENS are mostly based on Renaud's vocal range. This singer can sing in a raw and aggressive style, as well as he can in a melodic and smooth one. One more thing that makes the band sound fresh and strong is the guitar work that Sellier and Giachino have composed. These guys are definitely a strong weapon for the band and with the help of the rhythm section (Malek and Gavelle) they can blow your brains out with some METALLICA meets IMAGIKA meets FORCE OF EVIL compositions.

The sound is not the best possible since their music needs a slightly heavier and clearer sound, but the production is not bad at all. It is just that the sound needs to be more solid in this kind of music. Anyway, KRAGENS are definitely a force to be reckoned and I believe they can offer much better things in the near future. Watch out for these French maniacs.