Edhels - The Bursting (1981)

One of the strongest progressive albums of the early 'black decade' of the 1980s would be a true discovery for thousands of Prog fans around the world.I did not hear on the following albums of the group a game as breathtaking, virtuoso and good taste of the acoustic guitar that Marc played on Russian Puzzle (why did you stop doing it in the future, Marc?) . Believe it or not, but I think that even the two Mighty Steves (Hackett & Howe) were always proud of themselves when they demonstrated such guitar acrobatics.
The three pieces with allusions to classical music in their titles really contain the motifs of European symphonism in their structures and Edhels (Symphony No. 1) is particularly full of them. This is probably the only title of the album with a total domination of keyboards, while other compositions have as main solo instruments both guitars and keyboards (titles 2,3,4,6) or guitars different - keyboards playing mostly chords (a Russian puzzle). Philippe Peratonnere, guest keyboardist, shows solo miracles on L'Etrange Quete. Imagine instrumental pieces from The Alan Parsons Project composed, arranged and performed with a higher level of complexity and musicality, and you'll get an idea of ​​what it's all about. As in the case of Edhels' last album in 1998 (see review below), I am sure it is necessary to officially release a single document from the era of progressive decadence like "The Bursting". . If properly distributed, one of the strongest progressive albums of the early 'black decade' of the 1980s would be a true discovery for thousands of Prog fans around the world. And myself, I'm happy to have the opportunity to see Edhels' albums and many other underrated or unnoticed bands instead of praising (even) some of the best known performers.