Outcast

Based out of Paris, France, progressive metal band Outcast originally began as Overlander in 1998 before changing their name in 2002. Consisting of members Wilfried Fagnon (vocals), Nicolas Soulat (guitar), Jean François De Renzo (guitar), Clément Mauro (bass), and Mathieu Santin, the Parisian band has a driving, highly technical sound. With a blistering combination of sudden time changes, lightning-fast guitar heroics, and pummeling breakdowns, Outcast's sound pushes and pulls the listener in every direction, lurching unexpectedly in a new direction from moment to moment in a kind of musical shock and awe. The band made their full-length debut in 2005 with First Call/Last Warning, hitting the road to promote themselves around France before following up with the sophomore effort, Self-Injected Reality, in 2008. Outcast released their third album, Awaken the Reason, in early 2012. ~ Gregory Heaney