1. Hortz Fur Dëhn Štekëhn Ẁešt - 9:362. Ïma Süri Dondaï - 4:30
3. Kobaïa Is de Hündïn - 3:34
4. Da Zeuhl Ẁortz Mëkanïk - 7:48
5. Nebëhr Gudahtt - 6:02
6. Mëkanïk Kömmandöh - 4:10
7. Kreühn Köhrmahn Ïss Dëh Hündïn - 3:13
A classically influenced choral song cycle sung in the language of a colonizing alien race, Magma's Mëkanïk Dëstruktïẁ Kömmandöh is the pinnacle of this unique French band's musical vision. Originally written as the third part of a trilogy chronicling the war between Kobaïa and Earth, it was the first to be recorded, with part two (Ẁurdah Ïtah) following the next year, and the first (Theusz Hamtaahk) only released on live albums.
Though divided into seven tracks, Mëkanïk Dëstruktïẁ Kömmandöh is a single musical piece, with a break between tracks 3 and 4 (where you would have had to turn over the record). The music is heavily percussive, with drums, piano, xylophone, and other tuned percussion driving the songs forward. Rhythmic repetition and manipulation create a ritualistic, hypnotic, primal sound that resembles chant. Brass, woodwinds, electric guitar, bass, piano, organ, and synthesizer flesh out the megalithic sound, but the real motive force is found in the impassioned choral vocal arrangements. Turning on a dime from heavenly, almost gospel-influenced celebrations to operatic screams, wails, and portents, the singers on this project truly create the atmosphere and communicate the tale in spite of the "language" barrier.
The story (so I'm told) involves the benevolent Kobaïans offering their protection to the remaining humans on Earth, as long as they adopt Kobaïan culture and religion. The recalcitrant humans refuse, forcing the aliens to unleash technological destruction. The music is sufficiently doom-laden and intense, yet there are many moments of musical light throughout. The pacing and dynamics are perfect, ratcheting up the intensity only to release it in cyclical patterns of musical catharsis.
For the adventurous, Magma offers a unique and compelling musical vision. At times frightening, at others uplifting, this French group created music the like of which can be encountered nowhere else.
Arbitrary rating: 5 out of 5 operatic screams, wails, and portents
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