200 000

What an incredible album this is! I'm always intrigued when a new Zuehl band comes upon the scene, curious at how they are going to interpret what MAGMA started so many years ago. And I must say this is different. Not 100% Zeuhl by any means as we get Jazz, Avant and almost Metal at times with that guitar. Yes there are plenty of Zeuhl references mostly with the vocals but also instrumentally as well. This is a five piece band from France overseen by Gilbert Brown and they are players to say the least. I'm so impressed at what they have created here. Lots of Fender Rhodes and upfront bass in the Zeuhl tradition but surprisingly we get some mellotron, jews harp, synths, flute and organ. At just under 64 minutes they get plenty of time to stretch out with these six longish tracks.

"Sys" is the ten minute opener and it's unusual to hear a Spanish vibe on a Zeuhl album but we get that in the intro with the percussion, clapping and guitar. This sounds so good when it settles down after a minute with melodic guitar, drums and bass standing out. Some nice raw sounding guitar after 2 minutes. Love how relaxed this is then a change as it turns more serious with marching styled drums and more after 3 minutes. Synths and a heavy sound just before 5 minutes. Man the calm that arrives a minute later is so dreamy and beautiful. It kicks back in again before 7 minutes with angular guitar and a heavy sound. Some insane Zeuhlish vocal melodies before 8 minutes as they chant. A great way to end this great opening song.

"Aink" is such a great sounding instrumental and the shortest tune on here at just under 7 minutes. Love the depth of sound here. Lots of heaviness as the rhythm section really impresses with the guitar playing over top. It's heavier before 4 minutes then we get some fast paced guitar before 5 minutes playing over top. More aggressive guitar before 6 1/2 minutes.

"Chaa" might be my favourite track on here. Raw sounding guitar as we hear a scream followed by vocal expressions and heaviness. It speeds up including the crazy vocals bringing Japanese Zeuhl to mind. A strong MAGMA vibe then kicks in with deep vocals reminding me of Blasquiz. Suddenly a change as we get complex guitar lines ala KING CRIMSON. More insane vocals then it slows right down at 4 minutes before turning chaotic. It's heavy after 5 minutes with almost Metal-like riffs as vocal expressions cry out in the background. This is getting intense. A calm takes over after 8 minutes as the organ comes to the fore. Lots of atmosphere too. I like this! Angular guitar before 10 1/2 minutes then it's heavy again after 11 minutes. Check this out! The tempo picks up after 11 minutes and it's not as heavy either.

"Melku" opens with flute and atmosphere as what sounds like vibes kick in. So much going on as the tempo picks up. It changes as the guitar arrives with a different melody in tow. Catchy stuff with pulsating sounds and more. It turns heavier before 4 1/2 minutes then it settles back after 5 minutes. Strummed guitar 7 minutes in with lots of depth too. Great sound here.

"Trwa" has multi- vocals only to start then it turns dark with a heavy atmosphere. Spoken words arrive sounding sheep-like to be honest. Experimental is the word here, very avant until we seem to get a slow melody developing before 4 minutes. A calm with pulsating sounds as the drums join in after 5 minutes. A powerful sound with Blasquiz- like vocals follow then the tempo picks up. So good! Ripping guitar comes and goes. It settles back after 8 minutes. Man this sounds amazing too. Love the angular guitar before 9 1/2 minutes. A calm with acoustic guitar before 11 minutes then it builds as the vocals join in. They go completely insane late to end it.

"Pson" opens with experimental sounds and it's dark. A rhythm kicks in and builds but it's still dark. Deep bass kicks in after 3 minutes. A calm with flute 4 1/2 minutes in and then it kicks in again but it's not dark now, just complex and rhythmic. Guitar comes in over top before 5 1/2 minutes followed by angular guitar. Mellotron before 7 1/2 minutes.

I was planning on 4.5 stars and clicking on the four stars but after that final listen before the review, then reading Silly Puppy's review... well I felt that this is a five star album after all.