Halloween (CBS, 1997/Musea CD reissue, 1991)
Pulsar was one of the greatest French progressive rock bands in the 1970s. Unlike Ange and many other French bands of the era, Pulsar used English-language vocals. The lyrics were translated to English by Arman Fines, the band’s lighting engineer who had experience as an English teacher.
The band was signed to CBS and was given the tools to record at a state of the art studio in Geneva in 1997. For fans of mellotron, Halloween is a real treat. Keyboardist Jacques Roman used mellotron extensively throughout the album’s two tracks, creating various types of atmospheres: epic, symphonic, ominous, dreamy and romantic. The original release on LP included two extensive suites, Halloween, Part 1 (20:30) and Halloween, Part 2 (19:40).
Pulsar was heavily influenced by the music of Mahler, including the Adagietto from the Fifth Symphony and parts of Mahler’s Third Symphony that appear in the soundtrack of Visconti’s iconic movie Death in Venice. In addition to the classical influences, Pulsar was inspired by King Crimson, Yes’ guitar work, prog era Genesis, the spacy side of Pink Floyd and even Tangerine Dream. Halloween was at times dark and eerie, although it was also majestic, grand and romantic.
The band’s lineup during the Halloween era included Jacques Roman on synthesizer, organ, and mellotron; Victor Bosch on drums and percussion; Gilbert Gandil on guitar and lead vocals; Roland Richard on piano, flute; and Michel Masson on bass. Guest musicians included Xavier Dubuc on congas; Sylvia Ekström provided the dreamtime child voice on Part 1; Jean-Louis Rebut who contributed the voice on Part 2; and Jean Ristori on cello.
Halloween was and still is considered a masterpiece of French symphonic progressive rock. In addition to superb musicianship and compositions, the sound quality was excellent and the album’s thematic artwork was truly fascinating. Unfortunately, right after the release CBS France changed direction and lost interest in progressive music.