Maybe I haven't really known the true meaning of bleakness until I came across this newcomer French Metal band, SANCTUAIRE. Even so, I noticed their appreciation to old school Metal and their devotion on keeping their material flow in a direction that many chose to abandoned over the years. The band's debut album, "L'empreinte De Lucifer", via Emanes Metal Records, as I grasped from it, is their adage that they have no fear when writing an ambiguous type of material. Obscure as it maybe, and believe me it is, I noticed several conjunctions with some of the normalities of NWOBHM, JUDAS PRIEST, the first wave of Thrash & Speed Metal and some influences from local French gods like ADX and HIGH POWER.

I suspect that several of the elements that bestowed to the obscurity of "L'empreinte De Lucifer" had some connection to the production of the release. If you were looking for the underground, search no more because it is here with its flying colours. Not that I would deem this production as something to brag about to your friends, yet I assume that this is the best of what the band could come up with, at least for now. However, since this is an old school band, with or without the fishiness, the sound directive was accordingly. Likewise, the songs' arrangements also contributed to the ongoing mayhem. On its whole, the album sounds like a regular old school album made in the 80s, yet while examining every track, not everything would sound to you so traditional. SANCTUAIRE tried to create something that is both dark and both weird under the same platter therefore; they attempted to manifest passages and verses that would step out of the ordinary commonness. As nice as it sounds, I wouldn't call it a sheer accomplishment. My easiest example is the track "Pris Au Piege". I couldn't believe even for a moment that the band intended a section of the song to sound in an offbeat rhythm. Weird or not, it didn't sound professional less to say moving. Furthermore, this track was hard to comprehend and even though it wasn't obvious, it wasn't good either. Trust me that it wasn't the only one that existed on this release.

On the other hand there were a few small victories. "Comme Un Loup" was the other way around. SANCTUAIRE presented their best work with a harmonious track that made me feel as if its mysteries engulfed me. Not that I understand a word in French, but I think that I could make the atmosphere of this one. "Orage De Cuir" is IRON MAIDEN in black with the addition of an evil imaged retro Thrash onslaught. The main riff is pretty simple and accessible, while the melodies behind the pre chorus, right before aggression kicks it, elevated the suspense to the coming darkness. "Dans I'ombre Et I'oubli" sounded like something out of the ordinary. Not the greatest thing I have ever heard but a worthy kicker that had a few nice developed segments and a great solo work. "Elixir Mortel", one of the bonus tracks, resembles the early days of MERCYFUL FATE. It is a simple track, pervious right at first listen and rather enjoyable with its roaming dimness.

SANCTUAIRE are one of the reasons why the underground is tagged under such a name. Even though "L'empreinte De Lucifer" is far from being close to an old school hit, it interested me. Its pitch-black aura is one of its treasures and with hope that it will keep on serving SANCTUAIRE for their next releases.