Album Review
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4.5
Stars
Demain à l'Aube
Gerald Massois
1040
#
France
After seven years of meticulous crafting, French multi-instrumentalist Gérald Massois presents Demain à l’aube, an album that seamlessly blends progressive rock storytelling with cinematic grandeur. As the second installment of a trilogy, it delves into the poignant tale (with French lyrics) of two brothers caught in the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War, weaving historical depth with emotional resonance.
Massois’s intricate compositions strike a compelling balance between the intimate and the epic. Tracks such as "Une colline sans nom" and the title piece, "Demain à l’aube," showcase sweeping orchestration paired with moments of quiet reflection. Notably, the album features three stunning epics, each in the 14 to 16-minute range ("Une colline sans nom," "Demain à l’aube," and "La Bataille de l’Ebre Pt1 & 2"), which are masterclasses in dynamic progression, emotional storytelling, and symphonic grandeur.
The contributions from an array of talented collaborators—Jonathan Tavan's basslines, Maxx Gillard's precise drumming, and Nicolas Gardel's masterful synth and piano arrangements—elevate the album’s sound. Special guest performances, including Gionatan Caradonna’s virtuosic piano on "La Bataille de l’Ebre Pt2," add layers of texture that further enrich the sonic palette.
Musically, Demain à l’aube draws inspiration from a vast array of influences, ranging from Pink Floyd’s atmospheric storytelling to Neal Morse’s symphonic complexity, with occasional nods to cinematic greats like Ennio Morricone.
Musically, Demain à l’aube draws inspiration from a vast array of influences, ranging from Pink Floyd’s atmospheric storytelling to Neal Morse’s symphonic complexity, with occasional nods to cinematic greats like Ennio Morricone. Each track unfolds like a scene from a film, with Massois’s lyrical and musical narratives pulling the listener into a deeply immersive experience.
While the lyrics are entirely in French, don’t let that prevent you from listening to and fully enjoying this exceptional album. The music is so captivating and expressive that it transcends any language barriers—this is a record where the emotions and storytelling shine through regardless of linguistic understanding. It’s that good.
While moments of complexity abound, the arrangements never lose sight of the album’s emotional core. The result is a body of work that feels cohesive and intentional, a testament to Massois’s artistry and dedication. Demain à l’aube isn’t just an album—it’s a journey through time, memory, and human connection.
The album became available for purchase on CD and digital download from Massois's website on December 1st, 2024, and will be available on streaming services and Bandcamp on February 1st, 2025 (links below). For fans of progressive rock and evocative musical storytelling, Demain à l’aube is a must-listen. If you enjoy this album, be sure to check out Gérald’s debut and the first part of the trilogy, Le vol erratifque d’un papillon, available on most streaming services and Bandcamp.
Tune in to Prog Radio to hear several tracks from this excellent album now in our new music rotation. We will also feature it in Monday’s What’s New Proggy Cats? broadcast.
An absolute gem of symphonic prog, not to be missed!
4.5 Stars.
NOTE: Since the release dates span both 2024 and 2025, we're considering it a 2025 release so it qualifies for our 2025 Best Prog Albums list—where it’s sure to earn a spot.
Release Date:
Run Time:
Highlights:
Reviewer:
Feb 1, 2025
1 hr 8 min
La bataille de l'Ebre, Pt. 1 & 2 • Une colline sans nom • Demain à l'aube
Kevin Carmony
Buy/Stream:
