Search - Magma :: Kohntarkosz

Ask yourself...will i like this music?

Speedy | Fl, MO USA | 07/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For me Magma (like the best prog or good music in general) is an acquired taste. You either love 'em or hate 'em. And that is simply because they are playing something you have not heard in any other group before. Their mix of nordic choral, 20th century 'classical' music, rock and jazz is simply a mix that's truly original. Do not fool yourself thinking this is another prog band that follows other groups path. Magma made their own road and is up to you if you want to go and ride it. This is one of their classic albums. Highly recommended to the thrill seeker!"

Close your eyes for this one!

L. M. Gulick | Warrensburg, MO USA | 02/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My first Magma album was "Kohntarkosz Anteria," which grew on me like kudzu and gave me persistent song worms for days (not a bad thing). So of course, I was eager to hear its sequel, the original "Kohntarkosz."

Well, at first listen, I was kind of disconcerted--not much seemed to be -happening- here! It took two more listens before I "got it": whereas "K.A" was something like an oratorio, and "MDK" like an opera, "Kohntarkosz" is actually a -soundtrack-. The protagonist is exploring an Egyptian tomb and has a waking vision of Emehnteht-Re, who reveals his untold secret of immortality. In that context, the music all makes perfect sense, particularly when you close your eyes and let it paint the pictures in your mind. It actually reminds me of the classical music of the Romantic period, particularly Smetana.

(Another reviewer has commented on the weird fade-out at the end of Part 2; the reason for that is that there is a -third- installment of this trilogy, of which "K.A" is first and "Kohntarkosz" second--the upcoming "Emehnteht-Re," due for release this year.)

I very much enjoyed "Ork Alarm," although the song ends before the actual "battle" takes place (I hope the Kobaians won, and that they did not have to use the "Stoah" on the Orkians). And "Coltrane Sundia" has almost a lullaby quality to it, most appropriate to its subject matter. It reminds me slightly of U2's song "MLK" from "The Unforgettable Fire"--I wonder if Bono ever listened to Magma?

In closing, if you buy this album, I advise two things: 1) Close your eyes for the title opus, and 2) listen to the two "odd" tracks separately, as they are better enjoyed apart from the rest of the album!"