ZARTONG - Zartong (1979 Armenia/France Prog Folk • )Full Album

ZARTONG was a short-lived but influential Armenian progressive/folk-rock quartet active in France in the late 1970s, known for their unique fusion of traditional Armenian music, symphonic prog, and psychedelic sounds, featuring members Lorys Tildian (kemençe, vocals), Stephan Akian (santur, synth), Frank Tildian (bass), and Richard Tanelian (drums), leaving behind one cult-classic self-titled album released around 1979. Key Aspects of ZARTONG: Origins: Armenian musicians who relocated to France in the late 1970s. Genre: A distinctive blend of progressive rock, Armenian folk, symphonic elements, Turkish diversions, jazz-fusion, and psychedelic textures, with some disco leanings due to the era. Instrumentation: Featured traditional instruments like the kemençe (a type of Eastern violin) and santur (zither) alongside modern synths, bass, and drums, creating ethereal soundscapes. Sound: Characterized by soaring synths, crystal-like santur melodies, emotive vocals, and dynamic shifts from dreamy passages to energetic folk jigs. Discography: Released a single, self-titled album (around 1979), which became a sought-after rarity, praised for its originality and musicianship. Legacy: Considered a fascinating and influential curio in the prog and folk-rock scenes, showcasing early Armenian musical innovation in a Western context. Songs / Tracks Listing 1. Dzamone (Part 1) (1:00) 2. Dzamone (Part 2) (2:34) 3. Parhelie (2:35) 4. I Verine (Part 1) (5:30) 5. Prosopopee (2:00) 6. I Verine (Part 2) (1:49) 7. Toy Narguiz (3:17) 8. Eveil (2:00) 9. Kele Kele (4:50) 10. Armenian Hore (Part 1) (1:30) 11. Dele Yaman (4:28) 12. Armenian Hore (Part 2) (1:19) 13. Hoy Nazan (3:04) Total time: 35:56 Line-up / Musicians - Richard Tanelian / drums - Lorys Tildian / Oriental violin, vocals - Franck Tildian / bass, vocals - Stepan Akian / santour, synthesizers, vocals