Foudres du Metal Français Ceremony Celebrates French Metal Scene
For its very first edition, the Foudres du metal français ceremony ignited the Bataclan in Paris on Thursday, October 9, and put the spotlight on the Clisson extreme music festival as well as the Nantes parody metal group Ultra Vomit.
An Introduction to the Foudres du Metal Français
The inaugural Foudres du metal français ceremony took place at the historic Bataclan venue, with Thomas VDB serving as the charismatic master of ceremonies. The event aimed to honor a vibrant French metal scene that, according to the organizers, has long operated in the shadows. The ceremony recognized the “major figures of French metal,” including artists, musicians, producers, and innovative project leaders.
Why “Foudres”? A Play on Words
VDB humorously explained the choice of the term “Lightning” as a fitting descriptor for metal music, drawing a parallel with the “Flammes du Rap” and the iconic flashes associated with AC/DC. He emphasized that French metal is far from a niche genre, playfully asserting that it is more akin to a thriving “kennel.”
A Night of Metal and Recognition
The ceremony kicked off with a powerful performance from Gravekvlt, a black metal group hailing from Nantes. This electrifying start set the stage for the awards segment, which included significant recognitions for the Pays de la Loire region.
Highlighted Awards
- Event of the Year: Foudre awarded to Hellfest
- Best-Selling Rock-Metal Album: Prix des Foudres awarded to Ultra Vomit
Ultra Vomit: A Journey of Success
Fetus, the vocalist and guitarist of Ultra Vomit, reflected on their journey over the past two decades, stating, “It’s been 20 years since we released our first album, M. Patate… if someone had told me that we would one day be the best seller in France and that we would do a Zénith tour, I would never have believed it.” Their latest album, titled “The Power of Power,” humorously boasts “17 tracks, including 16 hits and 1 dung.”
Continued Recognition and Availability
The ceremony is available for viewing on the France.tv platform until October 5, 2026, allowing fans and followers to relive the exciting moments.
A Complete List of Awards
- Revelation of the Year: Revnoir
- Album of the Year: Landmvrks – The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been
- Artist of the Year: Landmvrks
- Event of the Year: Hellfest Festival
- Audiovisual Creation of the Year: Hotu and Vithia – clip for “Neo Paris” by Rise of the Northstar
- Live Performance of the Year: Gojira – Carcassonne Festival 2025
- Editorial Project of the Year: Children of the Sabbath – Mathieu Yassef, Guillaume Fleury, and Gabriel Redon
- Artwork of the Year: Yoann Lossel – Les Chants de l’Aurore by ALCEST (Album Cover)
- Societal and Environmental Commitment of the Year: More Women on Stage
- Shadow Trades: Frédéric Chouesne & Lorène Wieneckede Garmonbozia / Pascal Larre (manager) / Corentin Charbonnier (photographer, editor, and metal anthropologist)
- Best-Selling Rock-Metal Album: Ultra Vomit
- Honorary Lightning: Gojira
Conclusion
The Foudres du metal français ceremony not only celebrated the achievements within the French metal scene but also highlighted the growing recognition of its artists, festivals, and projects. With events like this, the vibrant culture surrounding French metal is sure to continue thriving and gaining new audiences.
FAQs
What is the Foudres du metal français ceremony?
The Foudres du metal français ceremony is an event aimed at celebrating the French metal scene, recognizing artists, musicians, and significant contributions to the genre.
When and where was the first ceremony held?
The first ceremony took place on October 9, 2023, at the Bataclan in Paris.
Who hosted the ceremony?
The ceremony was hosted by Thomas VDB.
What were some major awards given out during the ceremony?
Major awards included Event of the Year for Hellfest and Best-Selling Rock-Metal Album for Ultra Vomit.
How can I watch the ceremony?
The ceremony is available for replay on the France.tv platform until October 5, 2026.
