Heldon

Under the guidance of guitarist Richard Pinhas, French ensemble Heldon issued seven pioneering records that fused electronic textures with rock structures between 1974 and 1978. Pinhas additionally cut six solo albums bearing his own name. Robert Fripp exerted a profound influence on the guitarist, evident both in his distinctive playing style and in the names chosen for multiple compositions. Although initial releases occasionally recalled the atmospheric approach of Fripp and Eno, the band soon charted an independent course. With Heldon IV: Agneta Nilsson the music shifted toward a denser, more ominous character. Heldon V: Un Reve Sans Consequence Speciale introduced the “classic” configuration of Pinhas, drummer Francois Auger, and keyboardist Patrick Gauthier for the first time. The same trio remained central to the final four albums. Cuneiform later reissued the complete Pinhas/Heldon catalog on compact disc, adding previously unreleased live material to several volumes.