The obscure band Cardeilhac, founded in 1970 and named after a southern French municipality south-west of Toulouse, was, alongside Krokodil, one of the first heavy progressive groups from Switzerland. The quintet from Lausanne consisted of singer Denis Angelini, guitarist Rinaldo Häusier, organist Andrö Locher, J.C. Balsinger on bass and Gaston Balmer on drums. Their hard progressive rock with English lyrics, inspired by British prog bands, secured them a record deal that included the recording of an album at Valdo Sartori Studio.

Their self-titled and only LP was released in 1971 on the mini label dbr (Decibel Records) as a private pressing in an ultra-limited edition, available exclusively in Switzerland. Heavy keyboard sounds alternate with aggressive guitar solos reminiscent of Uriah Heep and Deep Purple. The eerie, black-and-white cover artwork by Chantal Rouge depicts a gathering of strange, lanky, big-headed creatures that appear to be advancing towards the viewer, while remaining motionless. Unfortunately, it was their only album. Following its release, the band, its members and the label all vanished into obscurity. Nothing is known about the musicians’ careers after the band’s dissolution. This only LP by the Swiss band is now an absolute rarity as an original pressing.