Hailed by Steve Wilson of Porcupine Tree as 'one of the most assured and accomplished debut albums I have ever heard' is certainly cause for celebration, especially when you consider Demians is in reality only one man, the French multi-instrumentalist Nicolas Chapel. In fact, it is nothing short of remarkable once you have heard this breathtaking album in all its progressive rock glory.

Over the course of the 8 tracks on offer we're treated to some of the finest accessible melodic prog on offer anywhere. Top song is Shine, bursting out of semi-acoustic beginnings it transforms itself into a right old riffola of metal. Comparable to the aforementioned Porcupine Tree I can see no reason whatsoever to disagree with Steve Wilson's statement, it is indeed an absolute belter of a debut.

It will be interesting to see how this translates when performed in a live setting with the band he has put together for touring purposes.

***½

Review by Dave Hunter