K.A (KÖHNTARKÖSZ ANTERIA)

In 2004, Magma released their first album in two decades, Köhntarkösz Anteria, more commonly referred to as KA. The material on KA was mostly written around 1973-74, and pieces can be heard on the live album Inédits.

KA also sees a return to the Kobaïa mythos. This album acts as a prequel to 1974's Köhntarkösz and is the first chronological entry in the Kobaïa storyline. The album covers Köhntarkösz's youth, before he was awoken into his role as a prophet, and ends where Köhntarkösz begins: at the entrance of the tomb of Ëmëhntëhtt-Rê.

KA features three long songs, titled "K.A I-III". Part I is an immediate return to form for Magma. Dense layers of vocals, unusual rhythms, and impactful bass and drums propel this piece along. It doesn't take long for this composition to plunge headlong into Magma's repetitive, ritualistic mood. In instrumental passages, the bass is the star of the show. Philippe Bussonnet would remain with Magma for over a decade, and his playing is one of the things which has made their post-reunion work so strong.

Part II continues in this general mold. The vocal arrangements are strongly reminiscent of church choirs with their uplifting tones, and the fluctuation between irregular, bouncing beats and smoother passages works wonderfully. Guitarist James Mac Gaw's work is understated but integral to this new version of Magma. He adds to the richness of the sound without stealing the show.

In the song's second half, Magma enters a gentler, quieter movement. The piece floats along in a relaxed state, and the minimalist arrangement lets the various elements stand on their own. The eventual return to more powerful passages is that much more impactful when contrasted against this lull.

"K.A III" is the best individual song Magma has ever recorded, and it is one of the crown jewels of progressive rock. It's a combination of two older pieces, "Om Zanka" and "Gamma Anteria", both of which appear on live recordings.

The "Om Zanka" portion of Part III opens with an emphatic chord, followed by a tense, palm-muted guitar line. A warm, serpentine synth line quietly wriggles into place, supported by electric piano and light percussion. There's a rolling, meditative quality to this passage, including distant, moaned vocals. Once the vocals give way, an extended synth solo takes the lead. Vander's percussion keeps building in intensity under the other band members' relatively mellow parts. As the solo progresses, the vocals re-enter, more intense and frenzied than before.

The shift to the "Gamma Anteria" section is sudden but not jarring. Chanting vocals are again the focus over the tight, complex rhythms and riffs laid down by the instruments. Vander's drumming pushes the band harder and harder throughout this massive track's runtime; the steady pace and duration of the acceleration is impressive.

As the song enters its final five minutes, the song reaches new heights. Vander's powerful drumming, the sublime vocal arrangements, and tight interplay between bass, guitar, and piano accelerate this song into ecstatic realms. The repeated chants of "Allëhlüïa!" emphasize the ritualistic, esoteric nature of the music. Bussonnet practically shreds his bass as the vocalists reach new heights of frenzy.

Review originally posted here: theeliteextremophile.com/2022/04/18/deep-dive-magma/