French progressive rock powerhouse Lalu are thrilled to unveil the acoustic version of “Amnesia 1916”, originally appearing on their 2023 album, “The Fish Who Wanted To Be King”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.
Vivien Lalu commented: “This acoustic version of “Amnesia 1916” was recorded for the Japanese edition of “The Fish Who Wanted To Be King”, as a bonus track. The album was never released in Japan in the end, so the recording stayed in a drawer and nobody has heard it until now. It covers one section of the original epic and, as always, showcases our love for dreamy atmospheres and ambient music: Joop on acoustic guitar and myself on keyboards, playing around Damian Wilson’s vocals, with Jelly Cardarelli mixing and mastering. I’m glad it finally gets to exist outside our hard drives”.
“Amnesia 1916 (Acoustic Version)” offers a fresh interpretation of a track originally featured on Lalu’s 2023 album, “The Fish Who Wanted To Be King”, revisiting the composition through a more intimate, acoustic approach.
Stripping the song back to its essential elements, this new version brings a different perspective to the original, placing greater emphasis on its melodies, atmosphere and emotional depth. The acoustic arrangement allows the composition to shine in a new light, highlighting the songwriting and musical sensitivity at the heart of Lalu’s progressive rock sound.
Led by French keyboardist and composer Vivien Lalu, the project has long been recognised for its distinctive blend of progressive rock, intricate arrangements and expressive musicianship. Throughout his career, Lalu has continued to explore new musical directions, combining technical sophistication with a strong sense of melody and emotion.
Originally released in 2023 as part of “The Fish Who Wanted To Be King”, “Amnesia 1916” remains a compelling example of this approach, and its acoustic reinterpretation offers listeners an opportunity to rediscover the track from a different angle.
With “Amnesia 1916 (Acoustic Version)”, Lalu revisits an earlier chapter of the project’s musical journey, presenting a familiar composition in a fresh and intimate setting while preserving the spirit of the original.
Line Up: Damian Wilson – Vocals Joop Wolters – Acoustic guitar Vivien Lalu – Keyboards
French progressive rock powerhouse Lalu are thrilled to unveil an instrumental version of the track “EKO”, featuring Asia’s drummer Virgil Donati, originally appearing on their latest album, “A Mythmaker’s Demise”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.
Vivien Lalu commented: “EKO was always the “machine’s song”. Martin wrote those lyrics as a robot, so taking the vocals away didn’t feel like removing something, it felt like letting that voice speak in its own language. Virgil Donati came in with his own vocabulary on this one, a phrasing and a sense of construction that belong only to him, and it gives the track a completely different reading.”
“That led Joop in a new direction when it came to the guitars and bass. Jens Johansson also plays one of my favourite solos on the record”, he added. “There is a nice irony in it: the song about a machine waking up to a new life, is the one carried entirely by human hands, unedited, with no drum samples. Exactly what this album is about.”
Joop Wolters said: “Love the halftime feel of this track… Gives it a soothing character. This instrumental version proves that the bone structure of the track is strong enough to make two convincing versions. Wonderful interpretations by the involved cast on this one!”
Stream “EKO (Instrumental version feat. Virgil Donati)” HERE
“EKO (Instrumental Version)” is a new instrumental interpretation of a track originally featured on the acclaimed album “A Mythmaker’s Demise”, released in July.
Stripping away the vocals places the composition itself firmly in the spotlight, revealing the intricate interplay, dynamics and musicianship at the heart of the track. Built around the creative partnership of Vivien Lalu and longtime collaborator Joop Wolters on guitars and bass, “EKO (Instrumental Version)” offers a fresh perspective on one of the pieces from an album created to celebrate 20 years of Lalu.
Adding another dimension to the track is the unmistakable drumming of Virgil Donati, whose extraordinary technical command and musicality bring both power and intricacy to “EKO”. With the vocals removed, the instrumental version gives the arrangement even more room to breathe, allowing the rhythmic detail and interaction between Donati, Lalu and Wolters to come fully to the fore.
As with “A Mythmaker’s Demise”, the emphasis is firmly on organic performance. Vivien Lalu and Joop Wolters approached the music from the ground up, favouring dynamic arrangements and natural performances over heavy production or studio perfectionism.
“We wanted this record to feel alive. No drum samples, next to no EQ, just real performances captured in their natural state”, explained Vivien Lalu.
Joop Wolters added: “There has always been undeniable musical synergy between Viv and myself. This album came together very naturally.”
The original “EKO” appears on “A Mythmaker’s Demise”, the milestone album marking the 20th anniversary of Vivien Lalu’s progressive rock project. Beginning with “Oniric Metal” in 2005, Lalu’s story has developed through two decades of collaboration, experimentation and progressive musicianship.
With “EKO (Instrumental Version)”, Lalu invites listeners back inside that world from a different angle – putting the composition, performance and instrumental conversation centre stage.
Line Up: Joop Wolters – Guitars, bass Virgil Donati – Drums Vivien Lalu – Keyboards Jens Johansson – Guest keyboard solo
French progressive rock powerhouse Lalu share today the new track “I Am The One”, the second single taken from the upcoming new album, “A Mythmaker’s Demise”, out on July 31, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Vivien Lalu commented: “I Am The One” is about the double life Martin LeMar (vocals) leads, a reality shared by many musicians today: a day job by day, and rock music / the stage at night. The video brings this to life by showing Martin at his desk, talking to the rockstar version of himself standing beside him. The song is the voice of that other self, the one in the shadows that keeps calling him back. As the lyric says: “I stood beside you, I am the one”.”
Lalu returns with “A Mythmaker’s Demise”, a milestone release celebrating the 20th anniversary of Vivien Lalu’s progressive rock project. What began in 2005 with “Oniric Metal” now comes full circle – this is not just a new album, but a bold tribute to legacy, craftsmanship, and artistic brotherhood.
To mark the occasion, Lalu reunites with vocalist Martin LeMar (Nachtgeschrei, Mekong Delta), whose voice first defined the project. LeMar contributes powerful performances and lyricism that bridge past and present. Also making a triumphant return is drumming legend Simon Phillips (ex-Toto, Protocol), the very first drummer to record the earliest Lalu track, “Paint the Sky”.
Continuing the collaborative spirit ignited in 2023’s “The Fish Who Wanted To Be King”, Vivien Lalu teams up once again with longtime partner Joop Wolters on guitars and bass. The duo crafted the songs from the ground up, focusing on organic, dynamic arrangements with no overproduction – just raw, honest performances.
“We wanted this record to feel alive. No drum samples, next to no EQ, just real performances captured in their natural state”, explained Vivien Lalu.
Guitarist Joop Wolters added: “There has always been undeniable musical synergy between Viv and myself. This album came together very naturally, and locking in with the real, unedited live drums by Simon Phillips in the final stages was the icing on the cake. It truly feels like a real band, just like back in the good old days”.
The album was mixed to preserve a live, open sound, capturing the human energy of each take. A key guest appearance comes from keyboard virtuoso Jens Johansson (Stratovarius, Yngwie Malmsteen), who delivers explosive solos across three tracks. His presence carries particular significance, having been one of Vivien’s earliest influences and a contributor to both “Atomic Ark” and “Paint The Sky”.
The evocative title “A Mythmaker’s Demise” reflects on the fading light of human imagination in the age of artificial intelligence. The striking artwork by Mattias Norén portrays a writer dying at his desk, while his creations struggle to escape into a world that no longer values them – a visual metaphor for the album’s deeper message.
“A Mythmaker’s Demise” isn’t just an album – it’s a time capsule of progressive rock’s soul, 20 years in the making.
“A Mythmaker’s Demise” Tracklist:
1. Tears Of The Muse 2. EKO 3. I Am The One 4. Mayacama (Instrumental) 5. Prince With The Swift Warning 6. Learning To Fly 7. A Drop Of Water (Instrumental) 8. Fhloston Paradise 9. Cordal Weaves 10. Midnight Ink
Line Up: Vivien Lalu – Keyboards Joop Wolters – Guitars, bass Martin LeMar – Vocals Simon Phillips – Drums
French progressive rock powerhouse Lalu are excited to announce that their upcoming new album, “A Mythmaker’s Demise”, will be out on July 31, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The first single and accompanying visualizer video, “Prince With The Swift Warning”, are available now, giving a taste of the sound of the upcoming record.
Vivien Lalu described the single by saying: “The first single, “Prince With The Swift Warning”, is inspired by “Watership Down”, one of Martin LeMar’s favorite animated films. The track reflects its themes of exile and survival, unfolding as a journey toward a safer place, carried by strong melodies and a driving progressive feel”.
Lalu returns with “A Mythmaker’s Demise”, a milestone release celebrating the 20th anniversary of Vivien Lalu’s progressive rock project. What began in 2005 with “Oniric Metal” now comes full circle – this is not just a new album, but a bold tribute to legacy, craftsmanship, and artistic brotherhood.
To mark the occasion, Lalu reunites with vocalist Martin LeMar (Nachtgeschrei, Mekong Delta), whose voice first defined the project. LeMar contributes powerful performances and lyricism that bridge past and present. Also making a triumphant return is drumming legend Simon Phillips (ex-Toto, Protocol), the very first drummer to record the earliest Lalu track, “Paint the Sky”.
Continuing the collaborative spirit ignited in 2023’s “The Fish Who Wanted To Be King”, Vivien Lalu teams up once again with longtime partner Joop Wolters on guitars and bass. The duo crafted the songs from the ground up, focusing on organic, dynamic arrangements with no overproduction – just raw, honest performances.
“We wanted this record to feel alive. No drum samples, next to no EQ, just real performances captured in their natural state”, explained Vivien Lalu.
Guitarist Joop Wolters added: “There has always been undeniable musical synergy between Viv and myself. This album came together very naturally, and locking in with the real, unedited live drums by Simon Phillips in the final stages was the icing on the cake. It truly feels like a real band, just like back in the good old days”.
The album was mixed to preserve a live, open sound, capturing the human energy of each take. A key guest appearance comes from keyboard virtuoso Jens Johansson (Stratovarius, Yngwie Malmsteen), who delivers explosive solos across three tracks. His presence carries particular significance, having been one of Vivien’s earliest influences and a contributor to both “Atomic Ark” and “Paint The Sky”.
The evocative title “A Mythmaker’s Demise” reflects on the fading light of human imagination in the age of artificial intelligence. The striking artwork by Mattias Norén portrays a writer dying at his desk, while his creations struggle to escape into a world that no longer values them – a visual metaphor for the album’s deeper message.
“A Mythmaker’s Demise” isn’t just an album – it’s a time capsule of progressive rock’s soul, 20 years in the making.
“A Mythmaker’s Demise” Tracklist:
1. Tears Of The Muse 2. EKO 3. I Am The One 4. Mayacama (Instrumental) 5. Prince With The Swift Warning 6. Learning To Fly 7. A Drop Of Water (Instrumental) 8. Fhloston Paradise 9. Cordal Weaves 10. Midnight Ink
Line Up: Vivien Lalu – Keyboards Joop Wolters – Guitars, bass Martin LeMar – Vocals Simon Phillips – Drums
LALU have announced the upcoming release of their fourth album, THE FISH WHO WANTED TO BE KING, on October 20, 2023. The first single and video from the album, “Is That A London Number,” are out today.
Watch below the video for “Is That A London Number”.
Lalu will be accompanying singer Damian Wilson on his “One Knight Only” European tour, a celebration of his 30-year career as a frontman. During the tour, the band will revisit songs from Wilson’s time with Lalu and other bands such as Ayreon, Landmarq, Threshold, and many more.
“I never make the same album twice, let alone the same song twice,” explains keyboardist/founder Vivien Lalu. “With this latest project, I wanted to approach things differently, adopting a process that mirrored
the dynamics of a band. Taking a seat behind my synthesizers, and occasionally a piano, I began recording my ideas while playing basic drum patterns on the keyboard. These initial recordings served as a blueprint for the songs. I would then share these initial drafts with my long-time collaborator of 20 years, Joop Wolters, who skillfully crafted the guitar and bass parts. Our collaborative approach fostered a sense of freshness and adaptability throughout the process. We had the freedom to trim or expand sections as we felt necessary, allowing each member to express their creativity to the fullest. The ultimate aim was to grant everyone involved complete artistic freedom in their respective roles. This approach fostered a sense of unity and cohesiveness. By embracing this collaborative process, we achieved a sound that—in my humble opinion —truly reflected the collective efforts and artistic contributions of each musician. It was an opportunity for everyone to shine and bring their unique talents to the forefront.”
As singer and lyricist Damian Wilson continues, “THE FISH WHO WANTED TO BE KING is an album concept that draws inspiration from the spirit of the original pioneers of Dada, who vehemently opposed war and ridiculed the power structure of the time. It challenges conventional notions and delves into the realms of hierarchy, accountability, and adaptability. Continuing the narrative from the previous Lalu album, PAINT THE SKY, this album delves deeper into the utopian aspirations of its travelers. However, their pursuit takes an unexpected turn as they encounter “The Blockchain,” a digital platform of absolute transparency and accountability. Within this realm, every aspect is meticulously defined, and any deviation swiftly flagged. Unbeknownst to the travelers, the very survival skills that once propelled them forward are now turned against them, leading to manipulation, entrapment and eventual destruction fueled by their own fears. THE FISH WHO WANTED TO BE KING serves as a poignant reminder of our collective dependence on adaptability and the ever-evolving nature of our existence. As we reflect on the past to gather wisdom, it is the exploration of uncharted territories and the wonders of our own minds that hold the key to unlocking our future.”
Lalu is a musical project originally founded in 2004 by the French composer and producer Vivien Lalu, son of Noelle and Michel Lalu (members of the ‘70s French progressive act Polène). THE FISH WHO WANTED TO BE KING is the second album, and fourth album overall from the band, released under the partnership between Vivien and Frontiers, and is creatively and production-wise a major step forward if compared to the previous albums.
Musically, this album sees a contemporary approach to a Progressive Rock thread which was mostly developed during the ’80s and that now has developed also after the explosion of Progressive Metal. With a line-up that now is stronger and more cohesive that ever, again with singer Damian Wilson (ex-Threshold and regular collaborator of Arjen Lucassen), Joop Wolters on guitar and bass, Jelly Cardarelli on drums and sharing keyboard duties with Matt Daniel, Vivien Lalu and friends have managed to create a fabulous final product that combines intricate melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and awe-inspiring performances.
Technically flawless, and emotionally touching THE FISH WHO WANTED TO BE KING has a story to tell and asks to be enjoyed quietly and with love from passionate listeners!
Here’s the track listing for THE FISH WHO WANTED TO BE KING:
Forever Digital
The Fish Who Wanted To Be King
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Is That A London Number
Amnesia 1916
A Reversal Of Fortune
The Wondering Kind
Check out Lalu at any of the following tour stops with Damian Wilson:
Tues 10/31 Verviers, BE Spirit of 66 Wed 11/1 Bonn, DE Harmonie Thu 11/2 Aschaffenburg, DE Colos-Saal Fri 11/3 Weert, NL De Bosuil Sat 11/4 Zoetermeer, NL De Boerderij Sun 11/5 Drachten, NL Poppodium Iduna
Lineup: Damian Wilson – Vocals Joop Wolters – Guitars, Bass Vivien Lalu – Keyboards Jelly Cardarelli – Drums Matt Daniel – Keyboards, Hammond Organ, Piano
Atomic Ark, the newest solo album from French composer VIVIEN LALU — and first for progressive metal powerhouse, Sensory Records — is out now universally. Having raked in rave reviews from international media outlets in recent weeks, The exceptionally expansive but direct and filler-free delivery of this talented songwriter is at its finest on Atomic Ark; a cinematic masterpiece boasting an array of expansive elements with a dark edge. The opus was fully conceived and composed by LALU, the musician having enlisted an all-star lineup of vocalist Martin LeMar (Mekong Delta), bassist Mike LePond (SymphonyX), guitarist Simone Mularoni (DGM) and drummer Virgil Donati (PlanetX), in addition to countless guest contributions, to complete the album.
To help celebrate the release of LALU‘s newest works onto the public, today massive online music stop PopMatters is hosting a worldwide exclusive stream of the entire Atomic Ark album, stating, “Fans of expansive and triumphant arrangements, you know what to expect-meticulous progressive craftsmanship, all finished with a virtuoso panache.”
In addition to the release of his new masterwork, this week VIVIEN LALU also announces that half of his royalties for Atomic Ark will be donated directly to Paris/NYC-based animal rescue organization ALERTE SOS! In a statement released via his Facebook page early today the French composer notes: “Just got back from my visit to ALERTE SOS; It was a real pleasure to meet the president and her team. These people are so amazing… I am speechless at their dedication to the animal cause. You should know that in France, animals are sentenced if they don’t find a family; the clock is always ticking. So I am very happy to announce that half of my Atomic Ark royalties will go to ALERTE SOS and by buying this album you will help to save many animals from certain death. We can’t save them all – but every little gesture helps! Some of these puppies are hurt and sick and need treatment but the veterinary fees are huge! Thanks for your support and I hope you enjoy being a part of something greater than just listening to music.”
“The catchy bits will be stuck in your head for days on end, the heavy parts will never not make you bang your head, the beautiful parts will always be touching, the ethereal and dream-like parts will always evoke images in your head, and the musicianship will never not impress.” – Metal Injection
“The album is driven by Lalu’s sense of fine-tuned technicality and majestic flair.” – PopMatters
“The concise track lengths serve to emphasize the satiating guitar focused delivery… Lalu’s hook littered and varied song writing is sure to catch the attention of progressive metal fans with this individualized method of album construction.” – Metal Storm
“…blistering guitar solos, soaring vocals and complex song arrangements… The musicianship is top-notch and there is a nice diversity to the songwriting…a progressive powerhouse.” – About.com
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
