ATTAHK

A slight step down from the previous masterpieces Kohntarkosz and Udu Wudu, the reason is that Jannik Topp is sorely missed. This is a four star album because there are some weaker tracks notable Spiritual, which is a gospel song in Kobian nothing more, no musical experimentation, more just an uninspired filler- the only really bad track on the album. Yet there are some brilliant tracks that don't fail to innovate and inspire the listener, such as the Last Seven Minutes, which has the Zehuel trademark heavy bass, Operatic vocals, Vander's shrieking, a great Funk feel to it, a high energy song full of excitement. The beginning bass on that track always reminds me of a rhino charging. Rinde is a nice track nothing special, it has a eastern european folk feel to it, it sounds lovely and proves how much of a versitile songwriter Vander is, but the song does not dazzle or amaze me; but it does have some nice moments. Liriik Necronomicus Kahnt, is a brilliant track, very unique I don't think I've heard anything like it before, it justproves that although Topp has left Vander has not lost his touch. It has some real funk vocals and again Vander really giving it all in the vocals; its good to know that Vander cares about his songs so much, giving so much energy, and loves them rather than composing a conveyer belt of contractually obliged songs. There iare some beautiful female backing vocals on that song which add to the strange fascinating music. Maaht is another winner, although perhaps one of the most bizarre sounding songs I've ever heard, great jazzy feel to it Vnader sounds like a narrator of a story, also are there these voices with strange kobian belching; Its supposed to be about these two warrior wizards Gorgo and Ourgon who go and fight the devil, you hear the two wizards chanting in high pitched voices, I think the Kobian belching may be the divil who has come to challenge them, in the end I'm pretty sure that the good guys win. I love that song definately original as well. Dondai is a pretty song, not brilliant but lovely sounding, its a little too cheesy In my opinion but some people will love it, its nice and not bad, but again if Jannik Topp was in the fold we'd probably hear a brilliant composition by him rather than this one and Spiritual. Nono, could quite possibly have been a hit single if shortened and sung in a real language, great vocal part by Klaus Basquiz who seems to be missing on the rest of the album. It has got a great keyboard part and this kind of anxienty to the music.

Although this album is not a perfect masterpiece it still has plenty moments of innovative brilliance, and stands head and shoulders above a lot of terrible albums released in 1978, need I say what terrible albums Genesis, Yes, Gentle Giant and Can were producing that year, so definately a strong album, just a few flaws. Magma did not sell out at this time like its comtemporarys. For 1978 this album would be a 5 star album, because Magma was still going strong and respecting their fans, but in the whole prog history it would be a four star album, not perfect, but definately a good purchase; you won't regret it. Only get it after you already own Udu Wudu, Kohntarkosz and Mekanik Destructiw Kommandoh.