Arrakeen

The only French neo progressive group to have themselves known outside the country. ARRAKEEN sounds very, very French. The music is to 100% similar to MARILLION with a NIGHTWISH touch (because of the very high pitched singing). The guitar player is rather known as solo artist's Sylvain GOUVERNAIRE. Of course, what will catch the attention of most listeners is ARRAKEEN's lead singer MAÏKO. She's the best soprano I've heard since Annie HASLAM of RENAISSANCE. It is really great Neo Progressive music and I can't understand why this band did not gain a huge followership.
The French ARRAKEEN have out two cd's that are very very difficult to find. Both cds are out in the 90s one is called "Patchwork" and the other "Mosaïque". Speaking of "Patchwork" CD, the singer is a woman (MAÏKO) and Steve ROTHERY (MARILLION) has played with them on the CD as well as they have been on tour with MARILLION (FISH era). It is accessible, and most prog and pop/rock fans should like it.
http://www.demeyer.net/Arrakeen-Iris/