LIVE/HHAÏ (KÖHNTARK)

In the studio, Magma's music was a powerful, spiritually evocative experience. The fact that this live document proves they were on a completely different plane live just shows how awesome Magma really is. The only thing that will cause the listener to feel a lack of energy from this record beginning to end is the fact they will be emotionally drained after the complete 30-minute workout of "Köhntark" is finished. The band weaves it's way in and out of the complex and dynamic passages, be it the jazzy insanity of "Kobah" or the delicate elegance of "Lïhns". I feel it literally impossible to convey the sense unity between the band and the music, which only heightens the unearthly experience Magma's music is. Or to put it simply, the band is on fire. I can't forget to mention especially amazing performances by violinist Didier Lockwood, vocalist Klaus Blasquiz and the man himself, drummer/visionary Christian Vander. Oh, and the bassist Bernard Paganotti is excellent as well. Actually, everyone is awesome.

My only reservation about this album is the fact that not everyone (or the majority of people) will be instantly enamored with Magma's unique (to say the least) music. I mean, they did create their own genre of music, after all. This was actually my first experience with Magma's music, and I recommend it as yours as well. The band has a bad reputation of being totally unlistenable, but that is simply not true. They just say that because it's impossible to describe in words.

Standout songs: "Köhntark", "Mëkanïk Zaïn" 3/5 packaging: Standard