PRÉSAGES

Yet again, Nemo have impressed me quite a bit. What I find most interesting is that there is no doubt that this is the same band from the first album (though there was a change of drummers), and the style is essentially the same. Yet it does not sound like a repeated formula or even style, not that that would be big problem since I quite like their style. If anything, there is a slightly darker edge to some of the tracks on this album as compared to their first. The singing seems more interesting and stronger, and all the things I like about the last album are strengthened and improved upon here. The syncopated guitar and keyboard lines, the powerful and agile rhythm section, the twists and turns, and the varied dynamics of the music. Another well written bunch of songs from Nemo.

I am fortunate to have a friend who can read some French (and has a friend who is French), so I've also gotten a bit of insight into the lyrics. While it's still a bit vague to me, it seems to be an album about what may happen in the future if man continues to destroy the environment. Or something like that. In any case, the words seem to fit the mood and styles of each song, and gives the album the sense of an overarching concept (though I'm not sure if it is really a true concept album). There is not really a weak track on here, though track 6 took some getting used to with its rather slow tempo, dark atmosphere, and relatively long duration. My favorites would have to be the first track, and the first two parts of La Mort du Scorpion (which actually fit together as one song). But the rest are all very good, especially the final 5 tracks that make up the suite Les Nouvelles Croisades (which is really just one 18 minute piece).

Basically, this band has done it for me once again, and I can only say that if you like the somewhat heavier side of prog (though not really prog metal), with elements of jazz fusion, acoustic prog, classic symphonic prog, and even a touch of neo prog, you will probably like this album and band. They definitely have a sound all their own, and I will personally be getting the rest of their albums (and no doubt be reviewing them here) in short order. The only thing that holds me back from giving this 5 stars is its relative newness. That, and I hesitate to call something a masterpiece when I have not heard everything currently available from a band.

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