Ange

Album Overview

Released in 1973 by Philips, Le Cimetiere Des Arlequins is the second studio album from the French progressive rock band Ange. This album follows their 1972 debut, Caricatures. The band, known for its theatrical style and complex compositions, offered a continuation of their artistic vision with this record. It features a blend of rock, pop, chanson, and space rock elements, which contributed to the evolution of their sound.

Musical Composition

The opening track is a cover of Jacques Brel's "Ces Gens La." This song sets the tone for the album with a dramatic flair. The use of Mellotron by keyboardist Francis Decamps is particularly notable. The instrument adds a rich, orchestral texture that enhances the theatricality of the music. The album is characterized by intricate arrangements and a variety of musical influences that reflect the band’s progressive rock roots.

Track Highlights

Another standout track is "L'Espionne Lesbienne," which showcases the band's ability to blend storytelling with musical complexity. "De Temps En Temps" exemplifies their lyrical depth and melodic sensibility. The closing title track, "Le Cimetiere Des Arlequins," extends for 8:46, allowing for an expansive exploration of themes and motifs that the band weaves throughout the album.

Personnel and Production

The album features contributions from all five band members. Christian Decamps leads with vocals and keyboards, while Francis Decamps supports with organ effects and vocals. Guitarist Jean-Michel Brezovar adds both guitar and flute. Daniel Haas plays bass and acoustic guitar, and Gerard Jelsch handles drums and percussion. The album's engineering was managed by Henri Lousteau, and the art direction was executed by Claude Bibonne, with illustrations by Jacques Wyrs.

Context and Reception

Le Cimetiere Des Arlequins is often cited by fans of progressive rock as a key example of European symphonic rock. It created a foundation for the band's subsequent work. In 1974, they released their next album, Au-Dela Du Delire, which is frequently regarded as one of their strongest projects.

Album Details

The album was released on vinyl and is categorized under the genres of rock, pop, chanson, and space rock. It contains a total of eight tracks, with a diverse range of songwriting credits primarily attributed to band members Christian and Francis Decamps.