The remastered and reissued albumsTriskaidekaphobie and Le Poison Qui Rend Fou have amazing ensemble interplay from all the musicians. Contains the most intricate and roaring rock music since King Crimson's Fracture.

"The music is explosive, dramatic, and cathartic."- Audion

Founded in 1979, the Belgian band is widely acknowledged and celebrated as one of the leading lights of the Rock In Opposition (R.I.O.) / avant-progressive / Chamber Rock scene, notable for producing genre-transcendent, non-commercial music outside (?in opposition to?) the mainstream music industry. Cuneiform Records, one of the leading and longtime international supporters of Rock in Opposition music, is now reissuing Present's first two studio albums, 1980's Triskaidekaphobie and 1985's Le Poison Qui Rend Fou, as two separate CD releases, each accompanied by a wealth of bonus material.

The new CD reissues feature each studio album plus bonus live material by Present, including previously unseen archive concert footage; and CD booklets featuring historical photographs, interviews, and in-depth biographies of the band's early days written by historian Aymeric Leroy and Renato de Moraes.

Both albums have been freshly re-transferred and remastered from the original master tapes, and the live material much improved, by Present's sound engineer, and an acclaimed producer and mastering expert in his own right, Udi Koomran. Specially conducted, in-depth interviews with Roger Trigaux and past members of Present, notably Daniel Denis and Alain Rochette, provide revealing insights into the genesis of the band and its music, along with previously unseen photos.

Featuring studio and live recordings by one of avant-music's most legendary bands, performing works that should be credited as some of the most significant, boundary-defying compositions of late 20th century classical and rock music ? Trigaux's "Promenade Au Fond D'un Canal" and "Le Poison Qui Rend Fou", and Daniel Denis' Univers Zero tune, "Dense", these Present reissues are essential not only for R.I.O. fans, but also by all who love sophisticated composition and genre defying musics, whether post-classical or post-rock.

Cover art and high res images available below for download
Le Poison Qui Rend Fou press release
Triskaidekaphobie press release

In 1998, when Cuneiform released Present's fifth album, Certitudes, the band came to the USA for the very first time and undertook a huge, full US tour, logging in 10,000 miles and 5 weeks of concerts.

Professionally recorded on 24 track on the final date of the tour, after 35 days of touring, the band were a tight, hard-rocking, road-tested machine and this is a very well recorded, stunning, loud and hot performance. Roger & Regginald Trigaux-guitars and vocals, Pierre Chevalier-piano, Jean-Pierre Mendez-bass and Dave Kerman-drums..

"No matter how great their record is, little could have prepared us for experiencing Belgium's Present live. The churned out mind-numbingly complex and shifting songs that always seemed to be driving towards some sort of awesome denouement. If they ever come around again, see them even if you have to kill to do it." – Atlanta Press

Certitudes is new studio recordings from Roger Trigaux and company. Just telling you the lineup will give you an idea of how good this is: Roger & Réginald Trigaux-guitars & vocals, Alain Rochette-keyboards, Guy Segers-bass & Daniel Denis-drums! All perform with a lot of fire & energy, & this combines the precision & intricacy of Present's earlier sound with the heavy attack of Live. Hearing Roger, Guy & Daniel together again for the 1st time since Heresie is a genuine unexpected treat, & adding keyboards to the dual guitar lineup helps to expand out the sound greatly. 3 tracks penned by Roger, & 1 short charmer by Alain.

"Notably more furious & urgent than anything on their previous albums...these avatars of an anguished, angular muse have unleashed their ultimate tour de force...this is a turbulent masterpiece. " 5 stars [highest rating] – Alternative Press

With Live!, Roger is back with a full band version of Present, featuring two guitars, bass and drums (by Dave Kerman of 5uu's/U Totem). Dark, metallic, complex music with intricate dual guitar and bass interplay. While primarily instrumental, the dark imagery of the music is matched by the darkness of the vocals; Roger and company sound like men fighting for their souls - and maybe they are! Imagine Univers Zero reborn as a metal band, and you might have an idea of the sound here. Professionally recorded by Eric Faes, this includes new and old work and an amazing, intense version of "Promenade Au Fond D'Un Canal".