AU-DELÀ DU DÉLIRE

The record company had put Ange in the conditions for this recording. The best studio possible in France, the band was hosted in a first class hotel ight across the street. They really had "carte blanche" for this album. And they will produce a brilliant one.

It opens on a magnificent and scary song "Godevin Le Vilain". A short and absolutely weird number. Ange's atmosphere is there. The same scary and Crimsonesque mood prevails during "Les Longues Nuits d'Isaac". It is almost hard during the introduction. It will then be all subtle and acoustic. Wonderful.

"Si J'Etais le Messie" sounds again as a gentle and light song. It features demoniac lyrics. Their anti-clericalism has never been so hard. Attempt of a translation :

"If I were the Messiah, I would be a homosexual, having sex with anybody no matter how and people would follow me, sniffing my ass. If I were the Messiah, I would be a thief, with anybody, any time. And people would shut their mouth, having nothing else to do. If I were the Messiah, I would be a drunkard, I would drink anything no matter how and people would imitate me, thinking that they are doing alright.

If I were the Messiah, I would be crucified, not by anybody but on purpose and people would cry, not really knowing what to do. But I am not Messiah, fortunately for my mother who could not sell her virginity any longer because people would buy it, always believing they are doing alright. A very long time ago, there was once a Messiah, he came from elsewhere, from another galaxy and people killed him. They thought they were doing right".

I have hardly heard such lyrics. Going that far is extremely rare. Are we going to go to hell ?

I do not know if Ange was trying to fool non-French speaking persons by producing such childish songs in appearance but featuring the weirdest lyrics you can imagine. "Ballade Pour une Orgie" is a sexual oriented song. Again very much against the church and its servants. It is completely their trademark as far as lyrics are concerned. Absolutely irreverent. There are basically no taboo for Ange. And this is exactly why I praised this band so much.

"Exode" features a wonderful and symphonic introduction, full of keyboards. A light and acoustic part will follow while the vocals make their entry. For the very first time, almost normal words. No attacks whatsoever. This track is 100% symphonic, very much reminiscent of Genesis in the early days ("The Musical Box" during the guitar solo and the crazy rhythm). One of the highlights (but there a lot here).

"La Bataille du Sucre" is a sad story telling us how the world would be when there will be no sugar at all on earth. Ange dated this event in 2015... This problem also leading to a lack of ... salt. A nightmare ! The very dark mood renders the sadness of the lyrics superbly. "Children would have made war to suck a candy. The children were dying one by one, crying. They were breathing for the last time, turning out as beautiful as before. Indifferent and neglecting the drama, their parents, thirsting, were licking the tears of their frustrated children. Because they were ... sweet" !

The instrumental finale will again be absolutely scary. Do not listen to this number while alone and in the dark. Believe me. Another highlight. As would be "Fils De Lumière". Another very symphonic song with aerial keys and wild guitar during the end.

It flows sweetly into the title track and the longest number of this great album. Medieval mood (another of their inspiration). It sounds very Genesis-esque of course. Not only by the music I must say. These intricated lyrics also remind the ones of the master. Christian Décamps is absolutely on par I must say. The second part of this song is just FABULOUS. An incredible melody, a keyboard orgy, a strong rhythm, an incredible guitar break. This is really symphonic prog at its best. A great, great moment.

If not with the lyrics, it will be with their fantastic music that Ange will blow out their hords of fans. This is great symphonic music with devastating lyrics. This album definitely deserves for stars for its music only. It is far much more interesting than their previous album "Le Cimetière Des Arlequins". As usual (and till ange will keep on with this level) I will add one star for the incredible work of Christian in his lyrics. UN CHEF D'OEUVRE. A MASTERPIECE.

Five stars of course.