BLAISE ET BENJAMIN

This was the last of the four studio albums that VERSAILLES released in the 90's. That third one from 1994 is my favourite despite feeling like the shorter tracks weren't nearly on the level of the longer ones. On this record they eliminate the short tunes as we get four long pieces over 54 minutes of time. And while I feel this final record is more consistent than the third one I'm going against my own rule and going for that third one as my favourite warts and all.

This record feels more mature, more confident even the vocalist getting more passionate at times. The album opens with two monster tracks, the opener the title track at over 15 minutes then "Poison De Passion" at over 19 minutes. The opener is led at first by the keyboards and guitar and I like the sound before one of many calms arrives. When it kicks back in the vocals become the focus which isn't as good but the contrasts between the powerful and mellow continue. I do like the vocals 4 minutes in as synths continue. We get some organ the guitar starts to light it up followed by a calm. A MAGMA vibe with the vocals and bass which goes on for some time. Nice. This might be the best track on here.

"Poison De Passion" is a beast at over 19 minutes and I love the start but also the flute during that pastoral section which is a good contrast to that determined sound that follows 5 1/2 minutes in. There's a 4 minute calm between 8 and 12 minutes in that I really like. Oh and that guitar solo after 15 minutes is a treat. The final two numbers are just under 10 minutes each beginning with "La Haine De L'amour" which has it's moments but is my least favourite. The closer "Cruel Duel" has some power early on and I like that bass. Vocals follow and they will trade off with the guitar the rest of the way.

Three of the four members here would become part of the comeback album by MONA LISA also released in 1998. I have a great appreciation for the band's final two albums, it's where the talent and ideas shone the brightest.