THEUSZ HAMTAAHK - TRILOGIE

This is the first complete "Theusz Hamtaahk" trilogy to be released in one package. In this case a 3 cd box set.This was recorded live in 2000 during their 30th anniversary concerts. It's basically the same lineup that would record "K.A." the following year.This is very highly rated by the fans. RYM site has it tied for first with "Retrospektiw I-II" as the highest rated MAGMA album while the Gnosis site has it in second after "Live / Hhai". For me it's an excellent live recording but i'd rate a few other live MAGMA albums above it. I think fans of "K.A." though will fall over themselves at how good this is.

Disc One is the "Theusz Hamtaahk" suite that was composed by Christian Vander between 1970 and 1973.This is the most stripped down lineup (8) that did these three compositions. Pretty much all of these tracks blend into one another.The chanting is certainly the prominant feature of this lineup much like that 1973 lineup that did "MDK". And it is pretty amazing to listen to the five singers (on this disc) work it up into a frenzy at times. Drums, piano and bass standout the most after the vocals.

Disc Two features a 10 member lineup and again the songs blend into one another making this come across as one long suite.This is the "Wurdah Itah" suite composed by Christian Vander in 1971.

Disc Three is the "MDK" suite and it boasts the largest lineup of 14 people and it's the only one with horns (trumpets & trombones).This suite was originally composed by Christian Vander in 1972 and is no doubt the most well known of the three.The "Nebeha Gudahtt" track is my favourite part of this compilation. It opens with a Bussonet bass solo and the crowd cheers wildly after 1 1/2 minutes but he keeps going then it all picks up after 2 minutes. Nice.The drums join in then Mac Gaw on the guitar. It's building. So good ! Electric piano from Borghi joins in as the guitar rips it up.Vocals after 6 minutes. How good is this ! It blends into "Mekanik Kommandoh" my second favourite piece on here.

For those of you who rate "K.A." as your favourite MAGMA studio album I would hunt this down at all costs. If your like me and don't have "K.A." in your top five of favourite MAGMA studio albums then it may not be worth the expense.