They were heavily influenced by the Clash and Sex Pistols on one hand, and on the other by an electro 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,[1][2] a then-unique approach that foreshadowed the experimental possibilities that were explored by later post-hardcore bands such as Big Black.

[2] The punk rock scene was not as popular in France as it was in the United Kingdom,[2] and they did not interest the French media as British bands like Sex Pistols did.

Métal Urbain had focused their efforts on singles,[1] and only produced one album, Les hommes morts sont dangereux, during their first period of activity.

Métal Urbain recorded their second studio album, J'irai chier dans ton vomi, in 2006, produced by Jello Biafra in San Francisco;[2] a follow-up mini-album, Crève Salope, was issued in 2008.