SYMPHONICA

'Symphonica' sounds like a more boisterous 'Mëkanïk Dëstruktïẁ Kömmandöh' minus the brass. The drumming patterns are very similar, but what differentiates it from 'Magma' are the vocals and the choppy stop starts.

Ruins are far more aggressive in approach. In fact the whole album is far punchier than Magma. However this is nothing compared to the superb follow up band 'Koenjihyakkei' where Zeuhl is taken to it's extreme. I still prefer Magma for their altogether more Tuetonic darkness and sense of impending doom. Ruins are a bit more unhinged and wacky.

'Symphonica' has a brilliantly clear production and I don't have many complaints with this album other than the fact that it's a bit all over the place rambling from one tune to the next with no real destination in mind.

Play it to your neighbours who annoy you with noise at 2.00am - guaranteed, they'll shut the hell up.