France never sparkled as a metal export country. Few good bands in this particular genre are born there and it takes them a long time to reach the light of day in the global scene of metal. So when a French extreme band manages to reach out and grab the pylon of world musical acknowledgment the surprise tag is on us.

BENIGHTED is one of those that made it and with and independent and original style none the less, for the death metal they promote, coming out of the underground of such genre in France. Formed in 1998 under the same banner as today, these guys chose a different approach on the music they were giving out. Unlike other European death metal bands, who reside in the Swedish death metal style, this French combo created a sound on a more classic way of playing, the American death metal way. Adding to this were other ingredients, such as Grindcore and trash giving the final sound a pinch of identity in its sick way – Identisick.

The concept of the album lies in bringing out different types of mental diseases and the manner brain is dealing with them. Nothing new under the sky one would say, but the way these themes are put into lyrics and the symbolism of it all is truly fascinating. Added to this, there's Julien's voice – one of the highlights of the album, going from growling to guttural with screams emerged from death's despair making one see the images of sickness before ones eyes.

The first track Nemesis is definitely the best chosen to introduce us to Identisick. It has force, complexity and power quite rarely seen even in this pot of extreme musical industry.
Identisick is the track that singles out as the pick of the album, so giving its name to the whole creation was something to be expected. The guitar riff that opens the track is one of the best riffs I have heard. This Grindcore, Death, thrashy sound present throughout the entire song just makes one stat a mosh pit by one's own regardless of the circumstances.
Identisick and Spiritual Manslaughter are the only tracks on the album performed in the mother tongue of BENIGHTED.
Sex-Addicted is a really great track, as it comes to the end you can witness the groovy sound mingled with the brutality of the sound and the guttural voice.

The production of the album is excellent, thus making the tracks even more likable and sets a priority on ones play list. Identisick is one of the best albums ever made and if you still have doubts about it, just take a chance, go buy the album, it's a decision you won't regret making. Extreme death metal riffs, with a solid root in sickness and brutality; these ingredients emerged from France under the label BENIGHTED giving birth to one of the best dishes in death metal cuisine – Identisick.