SEVEN REIZH - STRINKADENN YS - 2001

SEVEN REIZH was undoubtedly the most important event in 2001, as far as French Progressive rock is concerned. This is actually the first line-up from Brittany to record a rock-opera in their original language ! “Strinkadenn’ Ys” is the name of this trip of initiation that recalls the Enora pilgrimages, in a quest for their own identity. Under the leadership of concept inventor and lyricist Gérard Le DORTZ as well as guitarist Claude MIGNON (Fan of the great Steve ROTHERY), can be found singer BLEUNWENN (TRI YANN) as well as the MEVEL brothers (KAD), the BAGAD PENHARS (For a short participation), Thierry CHASSANG and kabyl singer Farid AÏT SIAMEUR. Thanks to first class production and great musicians, the music performed in this epic fresco proves to be matched by the marked ambition and means used to create it: sumptuous and symphonic. Those musicians’ true Progressive rock ideas blends perfectly with Celtic and traditional influences from a region with a strong identity, so much that we could even imagine that the instrumental MARILLION of the FISH period came to get some ideas around Brittany. Mike OLDFIELD and GENESIS also seem to be two definite influences of this epic story loved by the critics...
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This surprise purchase in 2001 still remains on my top 5 list and will probably stay there for a very long time . An hour and a quarter of pure bliss, brilliant sound, amazing production, beautiful instrumentation and a memorable aftertaste than lingers on and on. This is almost medicine. A proggier take on the fabled Breton-Celtic tradition of Malicorne, Alan Stivell and Kad , these spirited musicians have focused on creating a modern, progressive adventure with breathtaking vocals in Gaelic, supported by the tightest arrangements ever. We are far from the folkier world of Enya, Clannad or Iona. Claude Mignon , in particular, shines on keys and unleashes some sizzling e-guitar leads throughout. Most if not all of my fellow reviewers have also correctly rated this very highly and any progfan worthy of his devotion deserves hunting this MASTERPIECE down and placing it into the CD player and venerate this musical voyage for the rest of their days. Not a weak second on this disc , even the silences are amazing. This Prog vet says: An absolute candidate for Prog immortality. 5 brittany terriers
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