AU-DELÀ DU DÉLIRE

I bought a vinyl of this album because of it's good reputation. It is said to be one of the best French symphonic prog records. The style of Ange is that of a typical symphonic prog band of the seventies, but Ange is very focussed on Genesis/Gabriel-like theatrics. I also noticed some influences from the French chanson-style. The lyrics are sung in French.

Now first of all, my French ain't that good, but with a little help from a friend I could understand most of the lyrics in the end. The lyrics are quite simple and absurd. I think most people listening to this album imagine strong conceptual lyrics, but this really is child's play.

The music then. Ange clearly has some melodic skills, and many passages are quite catchy. There are some very strong heavy parts on the opening track, and all other tracks have good symphonic/melodic rock parts. The sound of the band is however amateurish; the symphonic key-equipment is out of pitch and sound ugly, as do the guitars. The vocals are strong and melodic. Very expressive, but that's part of the concept.

All songs have their catchy vocal parts and some symphonic chord progressions. The atmospheres go from dark to teasing and all the way to madness. Only the last songs stands out a failure: the song doesn't do anything to me and long guitar-solo in the ending section of the album is very amateurish.

Conclusion. For me this is a mixed bag; fine melodies and catchy prog-related songs, but also a mediocre recording and amateurish musicianship at times. I think the lyrics are overrated. Pushed the three star button. Recommended only to enduring fans of the symphonic prog genre and French prog-fans who want to hear some sympho in their own language.

Share this ANGE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to friso
• Report this review (#379752)
• Buy ANGE music online with PA partners
• Show all ANGE MP3/Stream
• Go to ANGE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Au-delà du délire page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for ANGE related discussions