Maelstrom ‎– Maelstrom (1976/2006, CD, Canada)

MAELSTROM (previously WAY OUT) recorded a full album at Le Studio in Morin Heights, owned by André Perry, in 1976... at the height of Quebec's first progressive rock era. After failing to find a record contract back in the day, the master tapes were forgotten... so forgotten, in fact, that even we didn't hear any word about them for over 40 years!

The tapes reveal a quintet at the height of their powers, and musical affinities to Gentle Giant, Yes, and at times even Frank Zappa. Add to the mix hints of King Crimson, Canterbury prog and space rock, with comparable Quebec peers including Et Cetera, Opus 5, Le Match, Maneige and Harmonium. The six francophone pieces stretch out through long instrumental segments, permitting a demonstration of the band members' talents. All in all, this album definitely shines within the Quebec progressive rock canon from the 1970's.