K.A (KÖHNTARKÖSZ ANTERIA)

Not many were expecting a new Magma album in the 2000s. K.A. turned out to be not only one of the band's most consistent efforts, but the best sounding up to this point as well. The first two parts were composed in the 1970s; this was supposed to follow MDK but come before Kohntarkosz. In fact K.A is short for Kohntarkosz Anteria. Christian and Stella Vander are the only members from the '70s here.

"K.A. I" starts off jazzy. Things get more interesting after 5 minutes. The vocalists are chanting "Kohntarkosz". Some nice Fender Rhodes near the end. "K.A. II" starts with the beginning part of "Kohntarkosz Part 1". After about a minute there is an upbeat and joyous sounding section. Great vocals in this part. This section comes back later. You rarely ever heard Magma so happy sounding. The very end of this track reminds me of Univers Zero.

"K.A. III" was a new piece written for this album. It begins with a piano chord and cymbals. It then goes into a part with guitar playing similar to what David Gilmour does on The Wall; also the same kind of playing you hear in songs like "Edge Of Seventeen" or "Eye Of The Tiger". There probably is a term for that kind of sound, but if you know the songs I mentioned then you know what I'm talking about. With that guitar there is a mini-solo on synthesizer. Christian does some great drumming in this part. Later there is a real synth solo. Before 14 minutes there is a really good section. I like the female vocals here. Near the end you hear what sounds like "Hallelujah" repeated. It's actually "Alleluia".

The bass is not as prominent as on other Magma albums. Both the male and female vocals are well done. The Rhodes and synth playing are very '70s sounding, even on the more recent part three. This would actually make a good introduction to Magma. Even though the lyrics are in Kobaian, the singing sounds like it's done in an actual Earth language. One of the best prog releases of the 2000s. 4 stars.