LA CATHÉDRALE DU TEMPS

One of the most consistent products of Musea during the 90's, French progsters Versailles came from Lesquin and were formed in late-80's, reputedly the band was named Fleur de Lys just before picking the Versailles label.They were led by singer/guitarist [Artist50909] and the original line-up featured also Benoit de Gency on drums, Alain de Lille on keyboards and Patrice Le Roy on bass.With tracks composed from 1989 and 1990 and all lyrics written by de la Piliere Versailles debuted in 1991 with the album ''La cathedrale du temps''.

The band was in a desperate hunt to capture the feeling of the old-school dramatic French Symphonic Rock as performed by acts such as ANGE, MONA LISA or SYNOPSIS and ''La cathedrale du temps'' is no more or less than an attempt by this French quartet to transform this style in the modern age.The result was an album of qualitive dramatic and theatrical Symphonic Rock with expressive vocals and bombastic moments, suffering from the cheap 80's sound techniques, but performed with passion and talent.The arrangements are sufficient and even superb at moments with emphasis on the huge symphonic keyboard themes and the intense lyrical passages, including melodramatic singing and narrations, not unlike the frontmen of the French monsters of the style.De Lille colors the album with grandiose symphonic organs, piano interludes and synth flights, mostly played with a high degree of inspiration, but the sometimes plastic sound burries part of his ideas.De la Piliere's guitars are sensational, both in the lead and rhythmic parts, with evident GENESIS, ANGE and even FOCUS traces, and become even more bombastic combined with De Lille's keyboards.Some very nice melodies and good interplays complete the satisfying proposal of Versailles and their fresh symphonic approach.

Very good debut and if it wasn't for some cheap-sounding passages the final result would have been a lot better.Even so ''La cathedrale du temps'' remains a nice modern Symphonic Rock experience for fans of the style and a must-have for all followers of Classic French Symphonic Rock.Recommended.