SABBAT

Elixir is a typical and obscure band from the French Progressive rock scene, born a decade after the Golden Age. Being now in the Eighties does not prevent from pursuing the legacy of Ange or Atoll, without forgetting to include in its music echoes from IQ, Steve Hackett or Genesis. Published on the Musea label in the year 1986 on vinyl and re-release on CD in 2009 by same Musea records, the first opus "Sabbat" is based on beautiful vocal parts, superb melodies built upon energetic rhythms, not to mention magnificent combinations between guitars and keyboards. Pieces like Images or Folie douce will grab the listner instantly with cohesion, melodic rigour and continuous emotion . Recommended one of the lost gems of progressive rock from '80's, and one of the albums that keeps the flag high aswell in this genre. 4 stars, quite unnoticed band and with great potential, they will release another album, the second one in 1989 named Indiff'rence, and soon after disbanded.

French band performing in the 80's and belonging to the reincarnation of French theatrical prog along with bands like Naos,Anubis and Magnesis.They were formed by guitarist/singer Christian Marischal in Lorraine in 1984 and for their first album the band recorded as a sextet with a double-keyboard attack.''Sabbath'' was released on Musea Records in 1986.

The album is a typical example of Theatrical Neo/Symphonic Rock of the French school with no personal identity but always well-executed.Elixir draw strong influences by bands like ANGE or ATOLL certainly in a more synthsized way and with an ultra-clear production.The musicianship is based on the elaborate arrangements filled with mind-blowing flashy synthesizers and strong guitar work,both melodic and rhythmic.There are no really downs and ups,the whole effort flaws in the same vein,symphonic bombastic synths are mixed with moments of guitar explosions and theatrical over-the-top vocals by Marischal.Some melodies are quite outstanding and the performance of the band is always on a good level.

If you like the thetrical side of progressive rock or if you are simply a fan of Neo Prog,''Sabbath'' contains all the right elements to please you.Do not expect something special,however the album contains a mass of enoyable material to discover.Recommended.