1001° CENTIGRADES [AKA: 2]

First step was creating of the Kobaïn language. Second step in Zeuhl evolution was this. Already acquired strong jazz and classical influences, 1001° Centigrades features more conventional for Zeuhl and less conventional in general vocals ('tribal' chanting). This is where Zeuhl began. The cover claims to be one the most boring covers ever, but I don't think the alternative one would fit either. If jazz and avant-garde are your territory, then 1001° Centigrades is a warm welcome to Zeuhl rather than shock (as it was with qualitatively new musical concept of MDK). Side one is Vander's Rïah Sahïltaahk, featured far more complex time signatures than the debut ever had, a lot of completely different non-repeating parts varying from rhythmic jazz in 'tribal' form (that reminds of UduWudu's self-titled track) through almost catchy melodies to debut-like insanity. The result gives an idea of Math-Symphonic-Jazz-Avant-Garde Zeuhl. Rïah Sahïltaahk is one of the Magma's 'epic' brilliants and gets 5/5 (it's a masterpiece itself plus 0.5 for being a huge step in Zeuhl evolution), although ... somewhat rough 'brilliant' though. It does seem very noncohesive due to the huge amount of radical changes, but since you've listened to it more than 4 times, you discover all the brilliancy in its fickleness and true complexity. Also, the impression of Side A being noncohesive and chaotic depends solely on the fact that there're no repeated parts at all(!), which feels somewhat confusing if you remember the famous Magma's repetitions, intriguing and never boring. Still, the music consisting of constant changes here is simply terrific and full of genius. Vander knows how to put 'soul' in ultimate experimentation and Side A proves it. Now, for side B, featured two non-Vander's pieces. Given all the reviews, currently side A is underrated and Side B is sligthly overrated. I think there's an analog in symphonic rock world, first half of Tarkus was brilliant, the other half was good, just not that good. Happily enough, the difference between 1001° Centigrades' parts is far less considerable, but the 'problem' is these tracks being slightly more conventional jazz compositions, although they do have outstanding and completely unexpected subtle avant-garde moments and Zeuhl elements still go far beyond the characteristic singing. They're less complex in terms of musical content, nevertheless Side B is an outstanding effort as well, and at the very least never gets below the level of non-Vander's compositions of the debut.

Now, let's face the fact that nearly every album in discography of Magma, a band of King Crimson's caliber (if not more)(even if not everyone knows it), Is Essential Masterpiece. Of course, 4.5 would be perfect rating for both first albums, just to point out the difference between MDK-and-Kohntarkosz and the rest. But somehow, if I had to choose, I'd prefer the debut to this, and the reason is extremely banal: 1001° Centigrades is easier to get into and less 'weird' and it's still not pure Zeuhl at the same time. I give 4.5 stars for both first albums really, but if there's no the needful option, then... personal taste. But this IS essential as long as you're into Zeuhl/Jazz/Avant-garde and 93% masterpiece. If it was another band, I'd give 5/5. Magma has its own independent standards. Honestly... if only there was that female chanting, I'd give up and go with 5.