Univers Zero - 1981 - Ceux Du Dehors

Univers Zero

1981

Ceux Du Dehor

01. Dense – 12:26

02. La Corne DuBois Des Pendus – 8:42

03. Bonjour Chez Vous – 3:52

04. Combat – 12:5

05. La Musique D’erich Zann – 3:29

06. La Tete Du Corbeau – 3:11

07. Triomphe Des Mouches – 5:36

- Michel Berckmans / bassoon, oboe, English horn

- Daniel Denis / drums, percussion

- Patrick Hanappier / viola, violin

- Andy Kirk / harmonium, organ, piano, mellotron

- Guy Segers / bass

with:

Jean Debefve / hurdy-gurdy

Jean-Luc Aime / violin

Ilona Chale / voice

Thierry Zaboitzeff / cello

Third album from this stunning but sombre group and one of the highest rated from fans and often cited as THE album.

Although UZ has dropped the color black as their only one, the least we can say is that their artwork is not anymore joyous than before. A close-up photo of The Witchstone and its dungeon next to it set up the gloomy and doomy ambiances. The 12-min+ Dense is a fiery "introduction" with Mellotrons layers underlined a strong harmonium, woodwinds and violin under the heavy duty Segers/Denis rhythm section. The middle section is rather quieter, but not any less worrisome, but Berckmans oboe draws wonders. Following this monster track is the no-less impressive (but very oppressive;-) La Corne, which is downright macabre with a few out of this world vocals and its church organ. We are definitely more in the classical music than in the rock spectrum with this track. Closing the first side is an almost danceable and considerably lighter Bonjour Chez Vous. Gothic is the word to describe this oeuvre.

Univers Zero took a major hit with the departure of Roger Trigaux who left the band in order to concentrate on his own vision which resulted in a new RIO/Avant-garde band called Present. Having said that I honestly can't imagine how the band could even intend to push further in the direction that was set by Heresie. The decision was therefore made to go back to the familiar territory set by their brilliant debut album and to try push forward from there.

Once again we get the powerhouse of Daniel Denis and Michel Berckmans showing how much they have evolved their individual styles since the debut album. I remember that at one point, last summer, I was so inspired by Michel Berckmans' bassoon that I seriously began considering taking up the instrument myself but after realizing just how expensive even the cheapest version of the instrument would cost made me quickly forget the whole idea!

Ceux Du Dehors, which is roughly translated to "Those outside", is also noteworthy for the first appearance of Andy Kirk who might not seem all that remarkable just yet but his contribution will definitely become an important part of Univers Zero's sound and direction over the next couple of years

The album's shorter compositions do a great job of gluing the pieces together but it's those two 10+ minutes performances that are the definite highlights of this release. The opening composition titled Dense has one of the most recognized intro sections which might explain why Ruins chose to cover it in their Progressive Rock Medley on the album Pallaschtom. The whole composition is complete brain candy for thought and senses which will make you want to return to this album time and time again.

After two shorter composition comes the second highlight in the form of Combat. The music here might not be as dense as on the opening track but what it lacks in quality Combat definitely makes up in the overall mood and style. I get the feeling that the band is trying to convey a story of a battle where the middle section of the piece is one of the most chilling moments Univers Zero has ever put on a record.

The concluding section of the album give us two 3+ minute compositions which serve as a brief reminder of the music on Heresie, but due to their short lengths the tracks don't have time to build up the momentum which is obligatory to make this type of material work. The closing piece titled Triomphe Des Mouches is the only section of this album where the band is trying to push their music even further. Although I applaud them for doing it, the direction here doesn't feel completely developed and the performance just gives us a brief taste of something the band never quite delivered on with the release of the next album.

Ceux Du Dehors is one of the band's essential recordings and although I have my doubts regarding originality and innovation this is still Univers Zero we're talking about here! Besides, what it lacks in originality it more than makes up for in quality. Considering that most transitional albums are difficult Univers Zero managed to create the best possible recording they could here. If anything, I would always pick it over The Yes Album, Caress Of Steel and Rubber Soul...combined!