Sometimes surprises fall on you, just like that, it’s unexpected but it’s so good. And it’s for these moments that I really love to be a reviewer. Nothing predestined Astral Tears, a formation from Orleans to be one of those bands that slaps you in the face with in one monumental album. And yet, “Hypnotic”is also packed with professional that it had excellent ideas for the future.

Line-up:

• Beyza -  Vocals
• Max -  Guitars
• Will -  Guitars
• G Rem - Bass
• Jelly - Drums  

Tracklist:

1. Rebirth
2. Hate The Enemy
3. Sinner
4. Desire
5. Behind The Curtains
6. Back To Life
7. Obsession
8. Tell Me Lies
9. Awake
10. Forgotten
11. My Reality
12. End Of My Story 

The metal played by our combo is modern, very modern even. And this up to date style is present everywhere in the instrumental parts powerful and determined, or in a production that seems to come straight from a big studio. Perhaps one of the best sounds heard so far for an autoprod , which is rare, and not in any way that alters the charm provided by the music, melodic but aggressive. We could compare what delivers Astral Tears to a cross between mainly, the recent period of Lacuna Coil (but far more inspired!), and musical passages to the most amazing textures. Inventive, the group will stop at nothing to show that they can make themselves a place in the genre.

Because, coupled with this modern metal, technical and all-in, there is a diversity which avoids repetition and linearity. Each track follows in a harmonious way, keeping a thread but don’t hesitate to change the landscape. On “Hate The Enemy” sharper and simplistic, to “Back To Life” which offers a ramp with a very emotional chorus, or “Behind The Curtains” that makes us travel to distant lands, the inspiration of Astral Tears is flawless. There is something for all tastes and colours, and in many ways, the French band differs from its competitors without a hitch. Where a combo like Exilia benefits from the versatility of their singer; Astral Tears distinguished by their atmosphere.

Because the modern melodic metal quartet sees in their rank a singer of great talent: Beyza. If the woman often makes us think of a mixture between Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil) and Miri Milman(System Divide) in her tone, her vocal lines give the little extra that makes all the difference, an oriental appearance, mysterious and sensual. Her performance on the beautiful “Desire” is mesmerizing, and her interpretation befits like a velvet glove. Lines varied, energetic or melancholic, it lacks neither technical nor emotions, and it’s an asset that the band operates very well, even if we could encourage Astral Tears to further strengthen the Eastern influences, which really taste exotic, where too many groups lack both personality and flavour.

What is certain is that everything is made to work, but always with passion and seriousness, without indulging a lack of soul. If “Hate The Enemy” and “Sinner”, although quite effective, are a little under the lot (the group falls a bit in ease on these two titles), they are offset by pieces that push the atmosphere to the peak, or simply tracks with an impressive power of attraction. In the first case, it’s “Desire” and “Behind The Curtains” that follow each other and bring sweetness, the other side is “Back To Life”, “Tell Me Lies” or “My Reality” which take you by the guts and stick a chorus in your mind, chorus that you won’t be abler to get rid of before a long time, and that’s great, as it’s well worked.

Astral Tears, with its “Hypnotic” fire a great shot and force other groups to wake up if they want to succeed as well. For the professionalism and quality of music delivered is amazing and there is no lack much to be leader of the genre, a bit ahead of the weakest album of Lacuna Coil or Kells. And it’s with no problem that the French should find a label very quickly, and even a big one. Napalm, Spinefarm, etc., a good French group does not tempt you?

Highlights: Desire, Tell Me Lies, My Reality