L'ARBRE-CIMETIÈRE

Tszirmay gave me a list of his15 favourite modern prog albums which included this particular record. I had this one but hadn't heard it yet, needless to say I decided to make listeneing to it a priority and am I ever glad I did. The first track reminded me so much of ANGLAGARD that I had to double check what I was listening to the first time I heard it. Glad to see Hibou and Eric also hear that connection (i'm in good company). This is a concept album but because the lyrics are in French it's all lost on me. It's apparently about a man who rebels againt the established power of the day, and the story is divided into 3 parts. Like I said the lyrics have no bearing on my evaluation of this record, just the music. And the music is absolutely incredible.

"L'Arbre-Cimetiere Part 1" is dark with synth-strings and majestic waves of mellotron as the drums play steadily. Guitar comes in sounding amazing. Love the tone. I keep playing this first track over and over. My favourite. "Tristes Cites" is even darker with scary sounds as reserved vocals start to slowly sing. Violin a minute in. The song gets fuller and the vocals more passionate as it plays out. "A La Recherche Du Passe" has this industrial beginning that comes back to end the song. In between we get threatrical vocals with some outstanding guitar that comes and goes. Organ after 2 minutes. "Bal Des Pendus" opens with mellotron and vocals. After a minute the vocals are excellent and the guitar is fantastic. Piano comes in. Piano and guitar after 4 minutes are great. "La Convocation" has a spacey intro as low end guitar comes in. Very doom-like actually. Organ and vocals a minute in. It kicks into gear before 2 minutes. Awesome sound. "L'Ouverture Du Proces" opens with spoken words with waves of sound. The guitar comes in grinding away. Nice. It settles down when the vocals and synth-strings arrive 1 1/2 minutes in. Some nice bass after 3 minutes before the guitar starts to light it up. Lots of tempo changes in this one.

"Le Pouvoir Des Mots" features marching style drumming with spoken words for a minute. Some beautiful guitar comes in with reserved vocals, synth-strings then drums. The guitar becomes aggressive before 3 minutes. Drums and synths are prominant. It's mellow again. Check out the guitar 7 minutes in. "Les Nouveaux Mondes" opens with dramatic vocals before synths and vocals take over. Mellotron 3 1/2 minutes before vocals and a heavier sound. Mellotron choirs 5 minutes in are incredible. "Simples Physiciens" opens with samples as synths and drums take over before a minute. Nice deep bass lines take over for synths briefly. Vocals 2 minutes in as bass throbs. Vocals get passionate as guitar comes in tastefully soaring. It changes before 4 minutes to a brighter sound. Amazing guitar 5 minutes in. "Ainsi Soit-Elle" opens with theatrical vocals but a pleasant melody follows. Grinding guitar 3 1/2 minutes in as organ and drums shine. Check out the bass as spacey synths then come in late to end it. "La Sentence" opens with synths then drums before guitar comes in aggressively. Great sound 2 minutes in. Vocals 2 1/2 minutes in. Outstanding track ! "L'Arbre-Cimetiere" opens with reserved vocals and piano although it gets full fairly fast. Fat bass before the organ arrives a minute in. Themes are repeated.

This is one of those recordings that I find challenging and enjoyable to listen to. Lots of twists and turns yet the same sort of style that I love is always present. For me this is perfect.