Zeuhl

So, I had never heard of this sub-genre until I started looking around on this site, and I would like to know what albums in particular are the best for a quick overview of it, as well as stuff that's similar. I already dove into Magma - K.D.M., Eider Stellaire - I and am really liking them. I also have Magma - Köhntarkösz and Weidorje's s/t.

Also feel free to discuss Zeuhl in general as there doesn't seem to be a topic about it here.

ghost_of_morphy wrote: Dun -- Eros is a must have.

Apart from those already mentioned (all great recommendations), Eskaton (particularly 4 Visions), Archaia and Shub-Niggurath all have much to offer for very different reasons.

Someone will probably mention Zao sooner or later, but they've never properly clicked with me. Competent Zeuhl-y jazz fusion but it never reaches the breathtaking heights of Magma or Koenji.

Xing Sa´s Creation de L´Univers is a very good new Zeuhl record, and it certainly rekindled my interest in the genre.

Saperlipopette! wrote: I love Magma and like most Zeuhl, really. Especially from the "first generation". Noa (St, 1980)). Incredibly still not in PA!:

I'll notify the team - certainly sounds like zeuhl to me.  As I've commented before, this is from a time where it seems like half of France was making albums like this, so it's not unusual that there will continue to be ones that haven't been incorporated into our database.

Your other suggestions were terrific.

^To both of you. I know people do all the work for free here. I didn't mean to complain. Like many suggested bands, Noa was suggested and approved years ago, but never actually added. But its a killer album, and a potential Zeuhl-classic worth tracking down.

Glad you liked my suggestions.

Edit: Re-released on CD by Soleil Zeuhl just recently.

Saperlipopette! wrote: ^To both of you. I know people do all the work for free here. I didn't mean to complain. Like many suggested bands, Noa was suggested and approved years ago, but never actually added. But its a killer album, and a potential Zeuhl-classic worth tracking down. Glad you liked my suggestions. Edit: Re-released on CD by Soleil Zeuhl just recently.

I've alerted the team and the addition should be forthcoming.  Your post didn't really complain (I've seen way worse) - on the contrary, thanks for bringing it to our collective attention.

re: the re-release, Alain is the man.  As is Udi Koomran.  


Edited by Padraic - August 30 2011 at 18:00

I had heard rumors of a re-issue, didn't know there was a date.  I will definitely be getting it!

It's hard to go wrong with Magma. Try Wurdah Itah (labeled as a Christian Vander album). I as also really impressed with their most recent Emehntehtt Re, an old piece that was a live staple in the 70's now redone in the studio.  And if you can afford, or somehow get your hands on some of their live stuff, it is well worth it. My favorite is Opera de Reims, which I got super lucky and got MP3 for Amazon at $0.99 per song. So 3 disc set was about $5. That cd runs about $60. If you get nothing else, get the Theusz Hamtaahk DVD.

Outside of Magma, bands that take a similar approach:
Eskaton - 4 Visions - Clean sound with female vocals.

Universal Totem Orchestra - The Magus - Italian approach to Zeuhl, modern sound but not overly polished, extremely high quality female vox


The Japanese Zeuhl scene borders on being its own sub-genre. Most of my favorite Zeuhl, not to mention much of my favorite music regardless of genre is in this sub set.
Bondage Fruit - I and II - These are the most Zeuhl-like of their albums, having multiple vocalists which they would drop for their final 4 albums. All of their stuff is stellar, but the first 2 are almost Eastern influenced Zeuhl-punk. Complex and brooding with unique energy. BF II is a top 5 album in my collection.


Koenjihyakkei - Viva Koenji (ni) and Angherr Shisspa - Probably the most iconic Japanese Zeuhl. Viva Koenji is very heavy and Angherr Shisspa is very complex. Both have beautiful vocals. Formed by Tatsuya Yoshida of Ruins, a worthy Zeuhl selection in their own right.

Happy Family - Tossco - No vocals, but wonderful, wonderful stuff.


Often the line between RIO/Avant and Zeuhl is quite blurred. Dun - Eros, as others have mentioned is one that really push the line to RIO. The same can be said for many on the other side.

Zeuhl-like RIO/Avant:
Guapo - Five Suns - Super heavy on the mellotron and marching beats.

Nebelnest - Nova Express - Huge mellotron and tasty Rhodes, spacy themes.

Pochakaite Malko - My new favorite, so Zeuhl-like are they that they originally went by the name "Magma Copy Band". Outstanding stuff.







Edited by Tapfret - September 01 2011 at 01:51

I second that notion. That Noa track was awesome - Thanks Mr. Saperlipopette!