Tag: LizZard

2024 Best of Metal: #17 LizZard-Mesh

Release date: 9/27/2024
Origin: France
Personnel: Mathieu Ricou-vox/guitar, William Knox-bass, Katy Elwell-drums

For #17 on the list, we’re going for something a little bit different than your traditional metal sound. LizZard is a French power trio than has a very modern sounding prog rock sound. When I first stumbled across these guys a few years back, one critic described them as having a very King’s X kind of sound. Obviously, that piqued my interest. I’m not really sure that description is totally on point other than both bands being proggy trios. LizZard doesn’t really have the gospel influence of King’s X. Their sound reminds me more of a late 90’s sort of emotive rock. This latest release is full of captivating melodies, inventive guitar licks and a wonderfully rhythmic bass/drum foundation. I will caution you as you dive into this album to give it a full shake. This is one that gets better and better as you make your way through the album.

4 flip flops out of 5

The list so far:
17. LizZard-Mesh
18. Fu Manchu-The Return of Tomorrow
19. Borknagar-Fall
20. Crypt Sermon-The Stygian Rose

LizZard-Eroded

I wish I knew a bit more about this band. All I really know is that they are a three-piece prog metal band that hails from France. Their sound is a bit of a balance between technical flashes and accessible melodic metal. In a way, it feels as though they fit in that same world of softer metallic prog populated by artists such as The Contortionist or The Pineapple Thief. The vocals are very much on the emotive side. I’d say this album is mainly for prog nerds, but I think there is enough cross-over appeal that should give these guys a wider mainstream audience. Definitely a more hopeful sounding album during a time that has mainly produced depressive and angst driven screeds.

4.0 flip flops out of 5