REQUIEM APOCALYPTIQUE

In the early Nineties I got in touch with Guillaume his exciting guitarwork for the first time when I was listening to Don Giovanni, the second studio-album (from 1992) by his band Versailles. Meanwhile Versailles has made 4 albums (their latest album Blaise Et Benjamin is from 1998), Guillaume joined other French progrock band Mona Lisa (in 1999 and 2000) and in 2007 he has released this third solo album entitled Requiem Apocaliptique, this review is about that third effort, unfortunately it turned out to be his swansong.

The music on Requiem Apocaliptique is a blend of rock, psychedelia, symphonic rock and some avant- garde/experimental elements. It often sounds dynamic, adventurous but also a bit quirky at some moments. The album contains one composition (45 minutes) that delivers lots of breaks and shifting moods:

swinging rhythms that feature fiery electric guitar,

fat synthesizer flights and theatrical vocals,

a dreamy part with acoustic guitar and soaring keyboards,

a beautiful interlude with Mellotron and strings,

a spacey atmosphere with compelling guitarwork (with the use of slide and volume pedal,

and a grand finale with a majestic choir-Mellotron sound.

I am glad that it's still possible to release this kind of daring progressive music, a big hand for Guillaume his captivating music. And the mindblowing 'gothic-window-shaped-CD', unique!

My rating: 3,5 star.