Magma (6) – Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh

I agree with other reviewers - simply brilliant; and a gorgeous cover to boot! A&M also did a splendid job of pressing. My copy sounds sublime. THIS is why I LOVE vinyl!!!

The definition of artistic expression?? Every time I listen to this record I try and put myself in the headspace it must have taken to create this. Astounding really. I'd love to talk to Christian Vander and ask him what the inspiration was to create these early Magma Lps and why?

This album really blew me away, but on the other hand, I can understand if you don't get it or find it annoying. This album really helped define Zeuhl, and it's truly one of the most original albums you're going to hear. It's amazing that a label as big and mainstream as A&M even had the guts to release it. This was their third album, their previous two released only in France, so Mekanik Destruktiw Kommandoh is first international exposure. Christian Vander invented his own language, Kobaian, and planet and mythology. Here you get treated with a choir, horns, organ, and piano. The music has this hypnotic, repetitive nature, with lots of high pitched and shrilly vocals. This was also their first album to feature bass work from Jannick Top, plus Christian's wife, Stella Vander makes her first appearance here. To me, there are many themes on this album that just stick in my head like glue. Many people refer to this kind of music as a Klingon Opera. By the way, unlike many other albums, it's a bit useless trying to ferret out your favorite cut, as they all sound the same, so the good news is if you're blown away by the first few minutes, you won't have any problems with the rest, but if you find it annoying and/or boring from the start, chances are your opinion won't change. This album is meant to be listened to as a whole.

I guarantee you that this album will either annoy you, or it's a life changing experience. Certainly there are other Magma albums that might be easier to digest, like Udu Wudu, but this is truly a landmark album, and one of my all-time favorites. Just be warned: it's not for everyone.