Darktribe – Forgotten Reveries

Darktribe
Forgotten Reveries
Label: Scarlet Records
Out: 21 November 2025
Playing time: 51:29

The press release describes Darktribe as a “French cult band of philosophical Progressive Power Metal”. I have often commented on such marketing words from labels and promoters in the past. Let’s just take it as it is. The band from Nice (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region) was founded back in 2004. The EP ‘Natural Defender’ was released five years later, in October 2009. Fans then had to wait another three years for the album debut ‘Mysticeti Victoria’. After 2015 (‘The Modern Age’) and 2020 (‘Voici l’homme’), ‘Forgotten Reveries’ is only the fourth studio album in the band’s more than twenty-year history. After all, three founding members are still involved. But the guitarist has also been with the band since 2009. A remarkable stability.

The intro ‘Paradox’ is characterised by piano sounds. In between, you can hear a clock chiming. Symphonic Metal power sets in at the very end, with an epic chorus. ‘I Walk Alone’ continues with symphonic Power Metal. Clear and strong vocals can be heard. Synth staccatos are laid underneath. ‘The Fallen World’ is also powerful and very melodic. Hard drums drive forward. Occasionally, the sound is underlaid with keyboard carpets. Here too, the hard riffs, which are interspersed again and again, ensure a high degree of heaviness. The middle section is somewhat calmer. After a piano introduction, keyboards are also present again and again in ‘Sicilian Danza’. Nevertheless, the guitar and drums provide a Metal heaviness. I particularly like the clear vocals here. Singer Anthony Agnello doesn’t let his rhythm section get the better of him. The following songs such as ‘Ghost Memories’, ‘From Star To Dust’, ‘Kings In The Sand’ “Reality” or ‘Kings In The Sand’ are also very powerful and bursting with beautiful melodies. Again and again, short staccatos from the synths can be heard. In between, however, quieter tones are also struck on ‘Eden And Eclipse’. After a ballad-like introduction, we move into the mid-tempo range with an outstanding guitar solo. A very catchy song. The last two songs, ‘Mornings Of Fear’ and ‘Son Of Illusion’, also deliver a balanced mixture of heaviness and beautiful melodies.

Throughout the entire playing time it becomes clear that we are listening to the work of four very experienced musicians. Darktribe seem well-rehearsed. Although all the songs are catchy, the sound is far away from mainstream. It is pleasant to listen to the album. Even after several listens, it doesn’t get boring. Darktribe appeal to a wide audience with their music. However, I would like to hear a little less use of synths.

Darktribe – From Star To Dust: https://youtu.be/KeuF8saoZNA?si=p1byHGYY7fmSnNr7

Lineup:

Anthony Agnello – Vocals
Loïc Manuello – Guitars, Keyboards
Bruno Caprani – Bass
Guillaume Morero – Drums

Track list:

• Paradox
• I Walk Alone
• The Fallen World
• Sicilian Danza
• Ghost Memories
• Eden And Eclipse
• From Star To Dust
• Reality
• Kings In The Sand
• Mornings Of Fear
• Son Of Illusion