XII ALFONSO is getting to be one of the "greatest" bands of international Progressive rock, thanks to his first album issued in 1996 and called "The Lost Frontier". This concept is about Hadrian"s Wall, in Scotland, which separated the civilized world from the barbarian countries during the Roman times. Led by Philippe CLAERHOUT, the musicians from Bordeaux have built a superb work with long instrumental passages, some female vocals, and a Celtic-influenced atmosphere sometimes reminding of Mike OLDFIELD. Mickey SIMMONDS, the then-current CAMEL keyboards player, helps with his wonderful symphonic sounds while guitarist Dan AR BRAS brings a noticeable Celtic touch of good taste. A remarkable work !