Ashka are a young rock band from Paris, who have released their debut album Ritual (M & O Music) at the end of January.
While the band are on the heavy end of the rock spectrum, there's no denying that metal is as hugely popular in France as it is elsewhere.
There's a tendency amongst critics to lump all metal acts together, a kind of impenetrable cult that only appeals to initiates, but there is a huge amount of great music being made in the metal genre. There are some genuinely innovative acts, and many that deserve to be more widely known.
Of course, it's a hugely competitive field, although one where the rewards are great. It's also a genuinely international scene, with bands from Brazil to Finland and all points in between having massive international reputations.
Ashka are among the many wanting to make their mark, and they're certainly in with a chance. While frontwoman Syhem commands attention, with a unique voice for a female-fronted rock band and a style that will certainly get her noticed, the rest of the band have risen to the challenges of a metal scene that demands only the highest quality musicianship and songwriting.
Skills that would have in the past only been seen in the rarefied atmosphere of progressive rock or free jazz are stripped down and presented as a hard-boiled showcase of brutality and melody.
In short, they also have the kind of sound that could easily fill some of the biggest stadiums or rock festivals.
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