KÖHNTARKÖSZ

My MAGMA journey began with "MDK", and then I went back to the beginning and have been working my way forward. This record has been the best one i've heard so far. This one is again different from the rest, and compared to "MDK" it's more laid back and less dynamic but I like it more. The vocals are really in your face on the "MDK" album, this one seems to slowly build much of the time with the vocals being more tasteful.

"Kohntarkosz (Part One)" is repetitive and builds slowly. I love it ! Organ and drums open the proceedings before vocals (Blasquiz) arrive 1 1/2 minutes in. It's almost 3 minutes in before we get a good beat that is joined by vocals and organ. Stella comes in with her vocals and she's outstanding as usual.This section repeats itself over and over. Piano 6 minutes in as vocals stop. Another change 9 1/2 minutes in as we get more energy and vocal melodies from Blasquiz. I like this. The sound softens and is repetitive to the end of the song. "Kohntarkosz (Part Two)" opens quietly with piano and keys that sound like a xylophone. Vander's vocals come in as everything is so reserved at this point. The drums get more aggressive 3 1/2 minutes in as organ joins in the melody. Stella arrives 5 minutes in with her beautiful vocal melodies. The pace and volume increase 6 minutes in. Check out the drumming 7 1/2 minutes in. Nice. Some scorching guitar 9 minutes in as the sound has built to almost a frenzy. Male vocals 12 minutes in. The song calms down during the final minute as drums,piano and Blasquiz' vocals end it. This is the best 30 minutes of music I have heard from MAGMA yet ! "Ork Alarm" is a Jannick Top composition. He plays both bass and cello on this one. This song is also very good. I like the way the tension builds to a dramatic conclusion with dissonant sounds.Great song ! "Coltrane Sundia" or "Coltrane Rest In Peace" is pretty much piano and guitar honouring John Coltrane who was a musical hero of Christian Vander. This is peaceful and a fitting end after the intensity of the previous track.

An amazing album cover and a more amazing recording.