Nil is a French progressive rock band which, now signed to Canadian label Unicorn Digital, is really hard to describe but I can wholeheartedly say that they are a 100% progressive rock band to my ears. They go beyond what is expected in the genre thus making them one of the very few new progressive rock bands out there that strives for originality by adding many influences both past and present.
Nil Novo Sub Sole (or Nothing New Under the Sun) is their fourth release that explores the dark symphonic prog and avant guard music. There is a perfect existence between the instrumentation and the angelic voice of Roselyne Berthet. The rest of the band is Benjamin Croizy (keyboards), David Maurin (Guitar & Flute), Samuel Maurin (Bass & stick) and Frank Niebel (Drums and percussions).
One of the highlights for me is the 20-minute album opener "Le Gardien" and “Abandon”. Both are very good representation of the overall signature sound of Nil, at least for this release. The whole album is fantastic and every track takes you on a wild surrealistic ride that you wished would never to stop. I found myself very hypnotized by both the music and vocals, so much that this is becoming one of my favorite releases of 2005. Their other releases are, "NIL" (1999), "Nocturnes" (1999) and "Quarante jours sur le Sinaï" (2002).
Nil Novo Sub Sole is highly recommended, especially for fans of such bands as The Red Masque, Present, Univers Zero, Pulsar and King Crimson to name a few! Get your copy today!
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on October 25th, 2005
