Métal Urbain (meaning urban metal) was one of the first French punk groups, formed in 1976 in Paris.
Career
They were heavily influenced by the Clash and Sex Pistols on one hand, and on the other by an Electro (music) approach related to Metal Machine Music by Lou Reed. They relied on heavily distorted guitars and replaced the traditional rock rhythm section of bass guitar/drums with a synthesizer and drum machine, a then-unique approach that foreshadowed the experimental possibilities that were explored by later post-hardcore bands such as Big Black. They were also known for their radical image particularly by John Peel and the Rough Trade label.