Existance – ‘Wildfire’

(Verycords)

If you’ve spent any time digging through the deeper corners of European melodic metal, you’ll know that France has quietly produced some seriously underrated talent over the years. Existance are one of those bands that have been steadily honing their craft without a lot of mainstream noise around them, and with Wildfire they deliver a record that feels both confident and completely unapologetic about the era of metal it draws from. This is an album that burns with classic heavy metal spirit while still sounding alive in the modern landscape.

From the very first moments, Wildfire makes its intentions clear. This is a celebration of melody, soaring vocals, and guitar-driven energy in the grand tradition of classic heavy metal. There’s a strong sense that the band aren’t trying to reinvent the genre, they’re refining it. What Existance excel at here is capturing that feeling of momentum that defined the golden age of melodic metal, while keeping the songwriting tight enough to avoid slipping into nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake.

Antoine Poiret and Julian Izard’s guitar work is easily one of the album’s most impressive elements. Riffs arrive with that satisfying balance of punch and melody that fans of traditional metal will immediately recognize. The tone is bright, sharp, and energetic, but never sterile. Leads soar above the rhythm section with a sense of drama, weaving harmonies that feel purposeful rather than indulgent. It’s the kind of guitar playing that clearly reveres the genre’s history while still sounding enthusiastic rather than reverential.

Backing those guitars is a rhythm section that understands the value of restraint and groove. Julien Robillard’s bass is present and supportive without crowding the mix, giving the songs a solid foundation while allowing the melodic elements to shine. Meanwhile, Géry Carbonnelle’s drums keep the record moving at a lively pace, shifting between driving metal rhythms and more restrained passages that give the songs room to breathe. The result is an album that never feels monotonous even though it stays firmly rooted in classic heavy metal territory.

Of course, melodic metal lives or dies by its vocals, and Julian Izard deliver’s a performance that feels tailor-made for this style. His vocal approach is powerful and clear, built around strong melodic phrasing and a confident range that allows the choruses to explode with energy. There’s a certain theatricality here, but it never tips into excess. Instead, the delivery emphasizes emotion and clarity, making the melodies stick long after the album finishes.

One of the strongest aspects of Wildfire is its consistency. Rather than relying on a single standout moment to carry the record, Existance maintain a steady level of quality throughout. The songwriting shows a strong understanding of pacing, balancing fast, energetic sections with more melodic passages that keep the album dynamic. This sense of flow gives the record a natural progression, making it feel like a cohesive listening experience rather than just a collection of songs.

Production also plays a major role in the album’s success. Wildfire sounds polished without losing the grit that makes traditional metal exciting. The guitars have plenty of bite, the vocals sit prominently in the mix, and the rhythm section has enough weight to give the album a solid punch. It’s the kind of production that respects the genre’s roots while still benefiting from modern clarity.

Stylistically, the record sits comfortably in the lineage of classic European melodic metal. There are clear echoes of the genre’s golden age throughout the album, from the twin-guitar harmonies to the triumphant choruses that seem designed for live crowds. Yet the band never sound like they’re simply imitating their influences. Instead, they channel those classic elements into something that feels genuine and enthusiastic.

That enthusiasm is perhaps the album’s most defining characteristic. Wildfire doesn’t feel cynical or calculated; it feels like the work of musicians who genuinely love the sound they’re creating. There’s an infectious sense of energy running through the entire record, as though the band are fully aware of the power that melodic heavy metal can have when it’s done right.

Another strength is how well the album balances accessibility with musicianship. The melodies are catchy enough to pull listeners in quickly, but there’s plenty of technical skill beneath the surface. Guitar harmonies, rhythmic shifts, and layered arrangements add depth without overwhelming the songs themselves. It’s a careful balance that keeps the music engaging across repeated listens.

What ultimately makes Wildfire stand out is its sense of identity. In a genre that often struggles with either sounding too retro or too modern, Existance manage to land comfortably in the middle. The album clearly celebrates classic heavy metal traditions, but it also feels fresh enough to stand alongside contemporary releases. That balance gives the record a timeless quality that many bands aim for but rarely achieve.

The album erupts into life with ‘Wildfire’ a fitting opener that wastes no time setting the tone for what follows. Driving guitars and a confident rhythm section establish a classic melodic metal atmosphere, while the vocals soar above the instrumentation with real authority. It’s the kind of introduction that immediately pulls the listener into the album’s world, blending energy and melody in a way that feels both nostalgic and vibrant.

‘Ocean’s Cry’ shifts the mood slightly, leaning into a more dramatic and emotional feel. The band slow the pace just enough to allow the melodies to expand, creating a sense of space that gives the vocals room to shine. There’s a strong atmospheric quality here, with the guitars adding depth through layered harmonies and expressive leads.

As the title suggests, ‘Riding Fast’ injects a burst of speed into the album. The rhythm section pushes forward with urgency while the guitars deliver sharp, energetic riffs that keep the momentum high. It’s a track built around movement and adrenaline, capturing the spirit of classic heavy metal with a lively and engaging performance.

With ‘Eternal Flame’ the band lean into a more melodic and uplifting direction. The chorus carries a powerful sense of triumph, supported by bright guitar harmonies and a confident vocal performance. It’s one of those moments where melody takes centre stage, creating a track that feels both anthemic and memorable.

‘See The Light’ continues the melodic focus while introducing a slightly more reflective tone. The songwriting balances softer passages with bursts of intensity, allowing the band to showcase their sense of dynamics. The result is a track that feels emotionally driven while still maintaining the album’s energetic core.

There’s a defiant spirit running through ‘Against The World’ The riffs are punchy and direct, and the rhythm section locks into a groove that gives the song a powerful forward drive. The vocal delivery carries a sense of determination that reinforces the song’s rebellious atmosphere.

‘Love Affair’ brings a slightly different flavour to the record, emphasizing melody and atmosphere over sheer speed. The guitars take on a more expressive role here, weaving together melodic lines that complement the vocal performance. It’s a track that highlights the band’s ability to explore emotion without losing their metallic edge.

As the title implies, ‘Brighter Days’ carries an uplifting and optimistic tone. The song builds around catchy melodies and strong vocal hooks, creating one of the album’s most accessible moments. There’s a sense of warmth running through the arrangement that makes it particularly memorable.

Closing the album, ‘Angel Of Darkness’ brings a darker and more dramatic atmosphere. The guitars feel heavier and more intense, giving the track a powerful presence as it unfolds. It’s a fitting finale that leaves the listener with a lasting impression, wrapping up the album with both weight and melody.

By the time the album reaches its final moments, it leaves behind the impression of a band firing on all cylinders. The musicianship is strong, the songwriting is focused, and the overall atmosphere captures everything that makes melodic heavy metal so enduring. Rather than chasing trends, Existance lean into their strengths and deliver a record that feels honest, energetic, and memorable.

Wildfire may not attempt to redefine heavy metal, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it reminds listeners why the genre has endured for decades in the first place. With powerful melodies, confident performances, and a clear love for classic metal traditions, Existance have crafted an album that lives up to its name, spreading its flame through sheer passion and musical conviction.

For fans of melodic heavy metal, Wildfire stands as a strong statement from a band that continues to refine their sound with every release. It’s a record that embraces the genre’s past while charging forward with enthusiasm, and that combination makes it well worth the attention of anyone who still believes in the power of soaring riffs and unforgettable melodies.

7/10

Essential Track – ‘Love Affair’

Review By Woody