QUARANTE JOURS SUR LE SINAÏ

This is the band's 2nd full-length album and the one that got them some worldwide recognition in the prog circles as well. It is an album about the Egyptian mythology: an ambitious concept containing two acts and a total of over 60 minutes of music and it manages to keep things interesting the whole time. What I like most about this album, and about this band in general, are the many influences that band has and this makes the music varied. Some styles that can be heard are symphonic, jazz-rock, RIO and even metal. The heavier and calmer sections alternate and float naturally. Despite these many influences the overall feel is still clearly symphonic but it is very unique in this style. In this album there is also lots of Eastern elements because of the concept. The vocals are by female and male guest singers but the music is mostly instrumental. The female singer Roselyne Berthet, who was later to become a permanent member of the band, almost exclusively delivers the vocal parts.

A special mention for an excellent detailed booklet in which the whole concept is written both in French and English!

Conclusion: This is an excellent and rewarding album but still pales in comparison for what was to come.