CEUX DU DEHORS

This is the third UNIVERS ZERO record and my least favourite of those. While the first three records all contain the same elements that leave the listener with no doubt to who he / she is listening to, they are all different as well in their own ways. Roger Trigaux has left to form his own band (PRESENT), and they didn't bother to replace him with another guitarist. And they have added mellotron to a couple of tracks, as well as called upon Thierry Zaboitzeff from ART ZOYD to play cello on one song. With "Heresie" there was one long, dark and sinister section where you could hardly breathe, while on this album it's like they take the listener into that place more often, but that place isn't as dark or evil, and they only leave you there for short periods of time before bringing you up for air.

"Dense" is an appropriate title if there ever was one. This song really contrasts the uptempo sections (with so much going on, and tempos that change quickly and often) to the dense, dark passages that happen twice, one before 4 minutes (with mournful violin) that lasts for several minutes, and the other to end the song. This song has mellotron and a myriad other instruments to enjoy. Great tune. "La Corne Du Bois Des Pendus" is mostly slower paced with drums and vocal melodies catching my attention. The song comes to life 2 1/2 minutes in. The sound becomes haunting and intense 5 minutes in. "Bonjour Chez Vous" is a mostly uptempo track with piano, drums and violin standing out.

"Combat" rivals the first song and the last song as my favourites. This one has mellotron on it but it's the change of moods and climates that is most impressive. "La Musique D'Erich Zann" is a collective improv inspired by an H.P.Lovecraft short story. It sort of slowly plods along until the dramatic ending. "La Tete Du Corbeau" is a funeral march in memory of D.Neukens. This one has the mournful cello from the ART ZOYD member. "Triomphe Des Mouches" is the last track and it features slowly played piano as other spooky sounds are heard. Percussion 2 minutes in along with harmonium, piano and drums to follow. I really like the passage 3 minutes in and the vocal sounds are cool.

I really think if you bought just one of their first three records, and it doesn't matter which one, you'd be getting a classic Chamber- Rock record of the highest quality. And as amazing as this music is it's not for everybody. If you get one of their albums do yourself a favour and listen to it at least ten times before forming an opinion.