Mass Hysteria

Formed in the early 1990s in Paris, Mass Hysteria belongs to the French metal wave that blends heavy guitars, groove-oriented rhythms and industrial influences. Early on the band developed a hybrid sound combining metal, electronic touches and alternative rock heritage, carried by French-language lyrics addressing social tensions, collective relations and contemporary disillusionment. Mass Hysteria drew attention on record with “Le bien-être et la paix” (1997) and honed its identity on “Contraddiction” (1999), firmly establishing the project within the French metal scene. The albums “De cercle en cercle” (2001) and “Mass Hysteria” (2005) signaled a phase more open to rock formats and melodic experimentation, before a return to a heavier sound with “Une somme de détails” (2007) and “Failles” (2009). Continuing with “L’Armée des ombres” (2012), “Matière noire” (2015) and “Maniac” (2018), Mass Hysteria confirmed a move toward a modern, compact and direct metal while maintaining a prominent role for chanted vocals and collective choruses. Active on club stages, in concert halls and at both generalist and specialist festivals, Mass Hysteria has established itself over time as one of the defining bands of the contemporary francophone metal scene.