I am not talking about a Black or Thrash band here. While the number of white-shirted, leather-pants-wearing, sword-and-shield carrying Heavy/Power groups — who oddly layer symphony orchestras with violins and cellos behind them — continues to increase nowadays, we prefer to return to the dark Heavy/Speed metal atmosphere of the 80s.
When it comes to France, the influence of the sound coming from the island in the 80s brought many Heavy Metal bands to this scene, but most of them, quite normally, couldn’t be heard beyond Central Europe (with exceptions like Trust and ADX). However, Blaspheme, Demon Eyes, Satan Jokers, H-Bomb, and many other French Evil Heavy Metal bands from the 80s formed a sort of NWOFHM branch by drawing inspiration from NWOBHM.
Among these, Demon Eyes from Sannois has become a bunch of middle-aged guys still proudly wearing their leather jackets and accessories. The band reactivated in 2006 but hasn’t released an album since 1990.
Tracklist:
1. La revanche des Dieux – Gods Revenge
2. L'orgie des damnés – Orgy of Perdition
3. L'invincible force de la mort – Unyielding Strength of Death
4. Les deux maudites – Curse of the Two Cities
5. Ombre du malheur – Rites of Chaos
6. Demon Eyes
7. Resurrection
8. Hymne au seigneur de l'orage – Hymn to the God of Storms
Listening to Demon Eyes, led by the Masson brothers, one naturally notices how the distant corners of their minds have been visited by NWOBHM and Mercyful Fate melodies. Their music, influenced by island bands such as Witchfynde, Satan, Agony Bag, Tank, and Raven—many of whom dealt with occultism, devil worship, and dark fantasy themes—offers a solid example of Heavy Metal’s darker side.
Although this is their first album, their sound is strong enough, and a big part of the band’s dark Heavy atmosphere comes from Ebony Records — a label that, at the time, released many bands with similar musical and lyrical concepts to Demon Eyes.
I don’t know who designed the album cover, but for a Heavy album made in 1984, it is quite a harsh depiction. With bloody teeth, huge hands, and sharp bloody claws, this monstrous image might give a very different first impression to anyone seeing the album’s style for the first time.
Regarding the lineup: Philippe Masson on vocals, Philippe Chastagnol and Thierry Masson on guitars, Remy "Serpent Glenn" Bertelle on bass, and Bob "Sortilège" Snake on drums.
It’s clear that guitarists Philippe Chastagnol and Thierry Masson have a positive chemistry, and the voice of Philippe Masson creates a strong unity with them. Most tracks feature dynamic and memorable guitar riffs, soaring reverberated solos, and occasionally rhythms close to Speed metal. Most importantly, the powerful, clean, and sharp guitar tone keeps the album’s energy at a high level. The drums are adequate for such a band and do not get overshadowed by other instruments.
Tracks like "La revanche des Dieux (Gods Revenge)", "L'orgie des damnés (Orgy of Perdition)", and the title track "Ombre du malheur (Rites of Chaos)" showcase the band’s close relationship to Speed metal. Each track contains classy solos played with unique flair, typical high-pitched French vocals in the NWOBHM style, and sharp riffs that bring the adrenaline to its peak.
"Ombre du malheur (Rites of Chaos)" stands out as the album’s longest track at 7 minutes. It shifts tempo from fast melodic Speed/Heavy metal to a slow ballad before revving up again, culminating in piercing, wind-like guitar sounds — one of the album’s most memorable moments.
"Les deux maudites (Curse of the Two Cities)" delivers some of the best riff work on the album, with successful rhythm transitions, melodic choruses, and a fantastic guitar solo fully charged with Speed metal energy.
"Demon Eyes" and "Resurrection" differ slightly with slower to mid-tempo pacing, reflecting a more classic 80s Hard Rock sound.
If you’re looking to step outside extreme metal once in a while and want energetic material to fuel your hazy mind, Rites Of Chaos can be an intriguing alternative. Since we’re talking about an album that could appeal to fans of NWOBHM classics, the destination is clearly set.