Métal Urbain

The Profile

French punk band from Paris notable for combining aggressive guitars with prominent synthesizers. Best known for the 1977 single "Panik" and a very brief late-1970s original career; material resurfaced in early-2000s compilations.

Lineup (as reported in the review): Clode Panik (vocals), Rikky Darling (guitar), Eric Debris (synthesizer), Zip Zinc (synthesizer); later additions Hermann Schwartz and Pat Luger. Key early singles: "Panik / Lady Coca Cola" (1977), "Paris Maquis / Cle De Contact", "Hysterie Connective / Pas Poubelle". "Panik" singled out as a punk classic. Some material later compiled on 2003's Chef D'Oeuvre and 2004's Anarchy In Paris!. One single was licensed by Rough Trade.

The available review praises Métal Urbain as a seminal French punk act with a stark, synth-driven sound. "Panik" is highlighted as a punk classic. The band's original output was brief (late 1970s) and later resurfaced in compilations (notably 2003–2004 releases). Comparisons in the review include Screamers, Stooges, Sex Pistols and Suicide.