by Steve Joyce
Quiz time: which keyboardist has made albums featuring members of Dream Theater, Symphony X, Kansas, Toto and the Devin Townsend Band?
The answer, of course: France’s Vivien Lalu. A member of progressive metal band A-Z, Lalu’s keyboard arrangements have been described as “endlessly imaginative”. Citing the legendary Yes as a major inspiration, in 2022 Lalu said “There is only one Yes, and no one will ever be able to replace them! But I aim to bring their kind of music to a new generation.” That’s quite a mission statement!
With four critically acclaimed albums released from 2005 to 2023, Lalu has earned his reputation as one of progressive music’s major talents. And now a fifth album, ‘A Mythmaker’s Demise,’ on which Lalu is joined by singer Martin LeMar (Nachtgeschrei, Mekong Delta), long-time musical partner Joop Wolters on guitars and bass, and none other than percussive genius and drum legend Simon Phillips. It’s a formidable line up, and one of the most impressive features of this album is the organic chemistry between the members. It sounds like they’ve been playing together for years and years, and I don’t recall Phillips ever sounding better. Extra sparkle is added by guest artist Jens Johansson (Stratovarius), who contributes killer keyboard solos on three tracks.
Over its 10 songs and 46 minutes, ‘A Mythmaker’s Demise’ is an engaging album of melodic prog rock. The evocative title reflects on the fading light of human imagination in the age of artificial intelligence. An unsettling and topical concept! The music is simultaneously distinctive, while also channelling the finest traditions of classic era prog. Despite Vivien Lalu’s progressive metal credentials, this album leans firmly away from the metallic end of the prog spectrum, in favour of melodic richness. At turns stimulating and relaxing, there’s nothing here to make your brain hurt! It’s a pleasure to listen to.
Opener “Tears of the Muse” hooks the listener with an ominous, sinister intro and has a clever arrangement of dynamic contrasting moods and tempo changes. “EKO” showcases the bass and guitar prowess of Wolters, and LeMar’s passionate vocals deliver a soaring, memorable chorus.
“I Am The One” boasts the album’s strongest melodic earworm with its ‘I hear you calling my name, when I am lost in space and time’ chorus. I also love the groovy verses, with drum parts superbly crafted and tastefully played by Phillips. A searing guitar solo and superb Wakeman-esque keyboard solo thrill and delight. This is my favourite song on the album!
Up next, “Mayacama” is one of the best prog instrumentals I’ve heard in recent years. Its strong melodic themes repeat with subtly varying instrumentation, and there’s an entertaining prog workout in the middle. The track is blessed with awesome guitar work by Wolters and some gorgeous keyboard textures. Phillips’ dextrous playing is a joy, making the music flow effortlessly without getting in the way the other musicians. Just as high class drumming should be!
The lead single from the album is “Prince With The Swift Warning”. Repeated listens reveal a clever arrangement, intricate piano work, two excellent guitar solos and some nifty proggy moments. The lyrical themes of exile and survival are captivating. The drums and bass interplay is remarkable on this song, and I especially love the tom-heavy groove and multi-tracked vocals which kick things off.
“Learning to Fly” treats us to Hackett/Rothery-esque guitar licks, then surprises us with a deliciously malevolent organ motif and doomy guitar riffage. After a thrilling instrumental passage, singer LeMar soars with a “spread your wings and fly away” coda that delivers a genuine goosebumps moment, and a major album highlight.
“A Drop of Water” is a pleasing multi-layered acoustic guitar instrumental that would enhance any Steve Howe solo album. “Fhloston Paradise” – the name of an ocean world holiday resort in the 1997 sci-fi movie “The Fifth Element” (thanks, Google!) – is the rockiest track on the album, with a strong power rock chorus and an effortless Simon Phillips groove.
The first four minutes of “Cordal Weaves” passes by pleasantly, without the music being massively impactful. All the while, we’re being set up for a stellar pay off! The song’s ‘We create…’ coda is an incredibly uplifting moment and possibly the defining point of the whole album. Album closer “Midnight Ink” is a perfectly judged warm-down, with a poignant vocal backed by melancholy piano and strings. It’s beautiful.
The album’s publicity states that ‘A Mythmaker’s Demise’ isn’t just an album – it’s a time capsule of progressive rock’s soul…a bold tribute to legacy, craftsmanship, and artistic brotherhood.’ I think that’s a fair description. There’s been a clear creative choice to focus on ‘the song’ as opposed to virtuoso playing for the sake of it. Refreshingly there’s an almost complete absence of gratuitous self-indulgence. Stylistically there are undoubted homages to legendary forebears such as Yes (including the Rabin era), Genesis and even (relatively) newer bands such as Marillion and Porcupine Tree. But this is no clichéd pastiche: the music is fresh, interesting and enjoyable.
Vivien Lalu was a new name to me when reviewing this album, and I imagine some might be similarly unfamiliar with him, with the risk that people may miss this release. My advice: don’t miss out! ‘A Mythmaker’s Demise’ is a must-listen for lovers of accessible, melodic progressive rock. The music is fabulously well played and sung by supremely talented musicians, and the star-power of drum maestro Simon Phillips should be of interest to everyone. Make sure you catch this absolute gem of an album!
Released on July 31st. 2026
Order here: https://ffm.bio/lalu-amythmakersdemise
Track list:
1. Tears Of The Muse 04:13
2. EKO 04:00
3. I Am The One 04:40
4. Mayacama 04:47
5. Prince With The Swift Warning 05:09
6. Learning To Fly 06:39
7. A Drop Of Water 01:47
8. Fhloston Paradise 05:17
9. Cordal Weaves 05:38
10. Midnight Ink 04:23
Line Up:
Vivien Lalu – Keyboards
Joop Wolters – Guitars, bass
Martin LeMar – Vocals
Simon Phillips – Drums
Jens Johansson (guest appearance) – Keyboard solos on three tracks
