Orion
La Face Visible (Patkaprog, 2015)
Orion is an eclectic French progressive rock group that incorporates a wide range of musical influences and a string message defending freedom of expression.
La Face Visible begins with the title track, adding special effects a la Pink Floyd, which is a tool used throughout the album. This first track has a Joe Satriani feel featuring a powerful rhythm section supporting the guitar solos.
Track 2, ‘Quelque part en 1989’ is a laid back song with a pleasing synth melody, soft vocals and acoustic guitars.
The electric guitars and effects return on ‘La dernière dans in Berlin’, a piece that combines floydian guitar with keyboards that recall some of the classic French symphonic rock groups.
Track 4, ‘De l’autre côté du rideau de fer,’ heads into a jazz-rock direction. The jazzy vibe continues on ‘Puis un jour on m’a dit’ with memorable guitar solos and harmony vocals.
‘Résistance, We Are Charlie’ is a harder instrumental rock tribute to the French cartoonists, victims of terrorism.
Track 7, ‘Stèle blanche’ is a mini progressive rock symphonic piece.
The last recording is ‘Le singe de la vie,’ a bonus track with classic French prog influences.
Orion is a French progressive rock originally founded in 1975 by Patrick Wyrembski, Laurent Delenne and Janusz Tokarz. They disbanded in 1980. Patrick Wyrembski and Janusz Tokarz reformed the band in 2011.
La Face Visible (The Visible Face) is inspired by the musicians’ own experiences through the events of the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. The album denounces totalitarianism and defends the freedom of expression.
The lineup on La Face Visible includes Janusz Tokarz on vocals, keyboards; Patrick Wyrembski on bass, guitars; Michel Taran on keyboards, drums; Alain Pierre on guitars, drums; and special guest Pierre-Jean Horville on guitars.
Purchase La Face Visible