The new album of French heavy/ speed metal legends ADX is actually their eleventh with new studio material, excluding two releases with re-recorded material. The band was formed 44 years ago in Paris and has soldiered on with new material with only two periods in the mid-Nineties and at the start of the new millennium when they were in hiatus.
13ème Choc is the second album recorded by the same line-up, with ADX now featuring only two original band members: front man Phil Grélaud and drummer Didier Bouchard. The album (what a great artwork as well!) starts with the powerful Nom de Code: ADX, which serves as an autobiographical anthem, also highlighting the super solid production and crisp sound of the album. The first two singles released – Le règne des écorcheurs and Les Neuf de Senlis are a bit heavier and just a little bit modernized in spirit, almost thrashy, however, I enjoyed much more the melodic guitar parts and harmonies in Cardinal, switched in-between. The same praise for the band’s ability to compose a memorable melody and sing-along choruses is valid for Eldorado, terre de sang. Sous le masque du Fléau slows the tempo a bit, still very heavy and with a strong vocal performance.
Sure, ADX has always represented a heavier, speedy side of their heavy metal, and a song like L’Ombre des Hussards is among the best I’ve heard from them in a long time, really strong riffs and a tight rhythm section reminding me a bit of classic Iced Earth. L’entité is another impressive composition with masterful guitar solos by Neo and Fred Allanic.
Ultimately, 13ème Choc is one more excellent album at this stage of ADX’s career and another proof that the band has been releasing their most inspired and strong material during the last decade.
8,5/10
13ème Choc is out on September 25th and can be ordered from HERE
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