LES GENS DE....

Three years after the very good ''Etang rouge'' Magnesis seemed to have really established a solid core around Eric Tillerot.A new album saw the light in 2001, entitled ''Les gens de...'', recorded and mixed between April 2000 and March 2001 in Dijon and released again privately by the group.As with ''Etange rouge'' though, ''Les gens de...'' was promoted through a distribution by the giant French label Musea.

With ''Etange rouge'' Magnesis presented a refined, theatrical and atmospheric Neo Prog, surrounded by huge symphonic vibes, and that's the game played also in their fifth studio effort.And while the long instrumental opener ''Le syndrome de Ravaillac'' shows the group getting into more Electronic/Prog realms in the vein of SHAMALL, the rest of the album is an upright Neo/Symphonic Prog affair with Magnesis sounding very close to early PENDRAGON and QUASAR, reminding a lot of Belgians AMANDA and maintaining an evident ANGE influence throughout.Quite long and interesting proggy arrangements combine with shorter Neo Prog and Folk tunes to offer an album full of intense emotions and atmospheric passages.Especially the longer tracks combine a dramatic song-based performance by Tillerot with symphonic interludes, edgy synthesizers and excellent electric guitars in compositions, where both melody and diversity coexist.The tempos are numerous, from laid-back, more keyboard-led textures to energetic and grandiose moves with a rich sound.There are also plenty of nice Classical-inspired interludes to be found, while the shorter tracks explore either a more groovy Neo Prog style or obtain a light Celtic/Folk influence.

The millenium finds Magnesis on the rise.Another very good offering by the group, as ''Les gens de...'' is a decent example of symphonic-flavored, modern French Prog of great quality.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.