Album out in February 2023 by Rockshots Records
By Luiz Athayde
French progressive power metal outfit Manigance will release the English version of their latest album Le Bal Des Ombres, originally released in March 2022. Under the Rockshots Records imprint, the record arrives on February 24, in digital formats and also on CD – with pre-orders available here.
“”This album contains different songs from the Manigance standards. We have shortened the songs and worked on the arrangements.” says guitarist and founder François Merle. “We think we can play a lot of these songs in our shows. It’s a sign that the fans should enjoy these songs. They are adapted to be played live. We have evolved in our writing process. The songs are still very rich, but the structure is simpler.”
Still on the new work, he reveals that “we also listened to the latest productions to offer a modern album with a current sound.”
The new album features twelve tracks that are inspired by Pinto’s lyrics from personal and intimate emotions, but also can relate to most listeners, from the betrayal of a friend, the burning of Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris – France), climate change, violence against the LBGT community, confinement during COVID, and domestic violence.
In order to anticipate their release, the band have shared the music video for the powerful title track. The new owner of the microphones commented on its plot: “In a baroque and burlesque atmosphere, I invite those who fight to stop fighting to get nothing, to come and build with me a better life and elsewhere, beyond life. A soul’s immortal.”
Merle, meanwhile, explained the composition itself, saying it is “a big riff with a simple structure to get to the essence of the singing melody. Carine’s vocals are particularly good with pop influences. A very nice solo from Lionel with twin guitars.”
Watch the video below:
Manigance’s story began almost at the same time as the 90s, in the commune of Pau, when they were still a cover band. The time to become a full-fledged band was short, and in 1997 they released their first EP Signe de vie, followed by their excellent debut album Ange ou Démon in 2002.
The songs inspired by power metal in its most traditional forms earned them the “Best French Group of 2003” award from Hard Rock Magazine. The coronation came last year as they performed at the now giant Hellfest, also showcasing Carine Pinto as the perfect replacement for Didier Delsaux, who left in 2018.
Check out more details of The Shadows Ball below, including cover art and full song list:
1. Odyssey – 1:23
2. Cold Blood – 4:24
3. All Your Excesses – 4:28
4. End of Lock Up – 4:26
5. The Shadows Ball – 5:14
6. Death Warrant – 4:01
7. High Treason – 4:48
8. Eternity – 4:36
9. At Gates of Memory – 4:42
10. In Spite of Everything – 4:42
11. Dawn of The New Fight – 4:49
12. Forgotten Survivor – 4:34
Album Length: 52:12