KÖHNTARKÖSZ

It is difficult for me to review this album, because I would ultimately be biased. I listened to this record in the dark, in a very depressed mood, and the result of these two factors allowed me to travel to a world of such intense musical experience that I am forever marked by this album. Musically, it is captivating, but those who only listen to symphonic prog or folk will not understand the magnitude of what MAGMA have created. Those who are familiar with their style will all agree that this album is macabre, sinister, but more importantly hypnotic. Why hypnotic? because it is repetitious, but never in the same way. A certain melody can be repeated several times, but differently each time, either louder, faster, darker, softer, slower etc...and it's the transitions between these passages that offer the most chilling effect, as the images in your mind crash and new ones appear. You can see how it would be difficult to review this album, because I'm reviewing it from experience rather than musically. IMO, musically, this album is scarier than anything Univers Zero have ever made, only because of the state it pus you in. Instrumentation: Drumming: extremely precise, and well balanced; not too quick when necessary and so not overly bombastic, sets the mood just right. Keyboard: once again, not pompous, it accompanies the music, it doesn't create it (like TRACE) Bass: not as present as I would have liked (much more present in MDK I find), but still, holds the pieces together when--those who are not familiar with zeuhl--some would think they are falling apart. Guitar: not too present, once again sets atmosphere, but also provides the more obscure sounds you would get from a synth...good for pitch elevations in the songs. OVERALL: this album deserves a 4/5 only because I don't want to give it a 5 on account of my "trip"...Yet, if you want to discover Zeuhl and are willing to sacrifice a bit of your time to understanding the music, then pick this album up.