Magma is a French

progressive rock Progressive rock (shortened as prog rock or simply prog; sometimes conflated with art rock) is a broad genre of rock music that developed in the United Kingdom and United States through the mid- to late 1960s, peaking in the early 1970s. I ...

band founded in Paris in 1969 by classically trained drummer Christian Vander, who claimed as his inspiration a "vision of humanity's spiritual and ecological future" that profoundly disturbed him. In the course of their first album, the band tells the story of a group of people fleeing a doomed Earth to settle on the planet Kobaïa. Later, conflict arises when the Kobaïans—descendants of the original colonists—encounter other Earth refugees. The style of

that Vander developed with Magma is termed

Zeuhl Magma is a French progressive rock band founded in Paris in 1969 by classically trained drummer Christian Vander (musician), Christian Vander, who claimed as his inspiration a "vision of humanity's spiritual and ecological future" that profound ...

, and has been applied to other bands in France operating in the same period, and to some recent Japanese bands. Vander created a

fictional language Fictional languages are the subset of constructed languages (conlangs) that have been created as part of a fictional setting (e.g. for use in a book, movie, television show, or video game). Typically they are the creation of one individual, while ...

Kobaïan Magma is a French progressive rock band founded in Paris in 1969 by classically trained drummer Christian Vander (musician), Christian Vander, who claimed as his inspiration a "vision of humanity's spiritual and ecological future" that profound ...

, in which most lyrics are sung. In a 1977 interview with Vander and long-time Magma vocalist Klaus Blasquiz, Blasquiz said that Kobaïan is a "phonetic language made by elements of the Slavonic and Germanic languages to be able to express some things musically. The language has of course a content, but not word by word." Vander himself has said, "When I wrote, the sounds f Kobaïancame naturally with it—I didn't intellectualise the process by saying 'Ok, now I'm going to write some words in a particular language', it was really sounds that were coming at the same time as the music." Later albums tell different stories set in more ancient times; however, the Kobaïan language remains an integral part of the music. In 1986, the French label Seventh Records was founded to (re-)publish Magma's and Vander's work. Over the years, Seventh has also released albums by related artists such as

Stella Vander Stella Vander (born Stella Zelcer, also known as Stella; 12 December 1950) is a French singer and musician. Early years Born in Paris into a family of Polish immigrants, she began writing music in the early sixties together with her uncle Maurice ...

, Patrick Gauthier, and Collectif Mu.

History

Beginnings (1967–1971)

In early 1967, drummer Christian Vander played in the Wurdalaks and Cruciferius Lobonz, two

rhythm and blues Rhythm and blues, frequently abbreviated as R&B or R'n'B, is a genre of popular music that originated in African-American communities in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly ...

bands. With these groups, he wrote his first compositions, "Nogma" and "Atumba". The death of

John Coltrane John William Coltrane (September 23, 1926 – July 17, 1967) was an American jazz saxophonist, bandleader and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music. Born and raise ...

saddened Vander, who left the groups and traveled to

Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical ...

. He returned to

France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...

in 1969 and met saxophonist René Garber and bassist and conductor Laurent Thibault. Together with singer Lucien Zabuski and organist Francis Moze, they created the group Uniweria Zekt Magma Composedra Arguezdra, shortened to Magma. After their first tour, Magma experienced significant lineup turnover. Vocalist Lucien Zabuski was replaced with Klaus Blasquiz, and pianist Eddie Rabin, double bassist Jacky Vidal, and guitarist Claude Engel also joined the group. The group worked on material for three months in a house in the

Chevreuse Valley Chevreuse () is a Communes of France, commune in the Departments of France, French department of Yvelines, Regions of France, administrative region of Île-de-France, north-central France. Geography Chevreuse is located south of Paris, in the mi ...

. Eddie Rabin was replaced by François Cahen on keyboards, and Laurent Thibault abandoned bass to devote himself to production. Francis Moze became the new bassist. The band also expanded with a brass section, consisting of Teddy Lasry on saxophone and clarinet, Richard Raux on saxophone and flute, and Paco Charlery on trumpet. The group's first album, ''

Magma Magma () is the molten or semi-molten natural material from which all igneous rocks are formed. Magma is found beneath the surface of the Earth, and evidence of magmatism has also been discovered on other terrestrial planets and some natura ...

'', was released in the spring of 1970 by

Philips Records Philips Records is a record label founded by the Dutch electronics company Philips. It was founded as Philips Phonographische Industrie in 1950. In 1946, Philips acquired the company which pressed records for British Decca's Dutch outlet i ...

. The group caused a sensation but audience reactions were mixed. After the album was released, Claude Engel, Richard Raux, and Paco Charlery left the group. Jeff Seffer replaced Raux on saxophone, and Louis Toesca replaced Charlery on trumpet. Their second album, ''

1001° Centigrades ''1001° Centigrades'', alternative title ''2'', is the second album by French rock band Magma, released on 5 October 1971. Future reissues use both titles as ''2: 1001° Centigrades''. The first track, "Rïah Sahïltaahk" was later re-recorded ...

,'' was released in April 1971. The album won the band more exposure, including a performance at the

Montreux Jazz Festival The Montreux Jazz Festival (formerly Festival de Jazz Montreux and Festival International de Jazz Montreux) is a music festival in Switzerland, held annually in early July in Montreux on the Lake Geneva shoreline. It is the second-largest annual ...

''Mëkanïk Dëstruktïẁ Kömmandöh,'' to ''Üdü Wüdü'' (1972–1977)

In August 1972, Magma released the album ''

The Unnamables ''The Unnamables'' is the only album recorded by Magma under the alias Univeria Zekt. Released in 1972, the album shows a more accessible jazz fusion sound, in an attempt to reach a broader audience, compared to the harsher, less accessible sounds ...

'', under the alias Univeria Zekt. However, the album sold only 1,500 copies. Many musicians left the band that year, including François Cahen, Louis Toesca, Jeff Seffer, Francis Moze, and Teddy Lasry. That same year, Christian Vander recorded the soundtrack for Yvan Lagrange's film ''

Tristan et Iseult Tristan and Iseult, also known as Tristan and Isolde and other names, is a medieval chivalric romance told in numerous variations since the 12th century. Based on a Celtic legend and possibly other sources, the tale is a tragedy about the illic ...

.'' In 1973, Vander formed a new lineup of the band, adding

as a second vocalist, Claude Olmos on guitar, Jannick Top replacing Francis Moze on bass, René Garber on saxophone and clarinet, and Jean-Luc Manderlier on keyboards, among others. This new version of the band would release their most famous work ''

Mëkanïk Dëstruktïẁ Kömmandöh ''Mekanïk Destruktïẁ Kommandöh'', also abbreviated as ''MDK'', is the third studio album by French rock band Magma, released on 6 May 1973. The album marks a shift away from the jazz style of the band's first two albums, encompassing progre ...

,'' which would later become their most acclaimed album, and gave them international fame, including a spot at the prestigious

Newport Jazz Festival The Newport Jazz Festival is an annual American multi-day jazz music festival held every summer in Newport, Rhode Island. Elaine Lorillard established the festival in 1954, and she and husband Louis Lorillard financed it for many years. They hir ...

, their first American performance. In 1974, under Vander's name, the band released a soundtrack album accompanying Yvan Lagrange's 1972 film ''Tristan et Iseult'', also known as '' Ẁurdah Ïtah''; under Magma's name, they followed up with ''

Köhntarkösz ''Köhntarkösz'' is the fifth studio album by French band Magma, released on 10 September 1974. The title piece of the album forms a section of the ''Köhntarkösz'' cycle. Although first in order of release, it has now been formulated as the ...

'', which was successful among fans, but not received as well among the public as ''Mëkanïk Dëstruktïẁ Kömmandöh''. The band would then go on a long, year-and-a-half long tour of France, and after another member shakeup (Bernard Paganotti replacing Jannick Top on bass,

Didier Lockwood Didier Lockwood (11 February 1956 – 18 February 2018) was a French violinist. He played in the French rock band Magma in the 1970s, and was known for his use of electric amplification and his experimentation with different sounds on the electri ...

added as a violinist, Jean-Pol Asseline and Benot Widemann replacing Gerard Bikialo on keyboards, and Gabriel Federow replacing Claude Olmos on guitar), released their first live album, ''Live / Hhaï'', in December 1975, recorded at the Taverne de l'Olympia in

Paris Paris () is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,165,423 residents in 2019 in an area of more than 105 km² (41 sq mi), making it the 30th most densely populated city in the world in 2020. Si ...

. In 1976, Top briefly rejoined the band for the recording of the album '' Üdü Ẁüdü'', but left soon after due to strained relations with frontman Christian Vander. More lineup turnover followed in 1977, with Jean DeAntoni replacing Gabriel Federow on guitar, Guy Delacroix replacing Bernard Paganotti on bass, and Clement Bailly hired as a second drummer.

Changing sound and breakup (1978–1984)

In 1978, Magma released the album ''

Attahk ''Attahk'' is the seventh studio album by French rock band Magma, released on 5 March 1978. Its sound marks a noticeable shift from the sound of the band's previous albums, predominantly consisting of funk and jazz fusion music that incorporates ...

''. Vying for more commercial success, the album included elements of

soul In many religious and philosophical traditions, there is a belief that a soul is "the immaterial aspect or essence of a human being". Etymology The Modern English noun '' soul'' is derived from Old English ''sāwol, sāwel''. The earliest att ...

rhythm & blues Rhythm and blues, frequently abbreviated as R&B or R'n'B, is a genre of popular music that originated in African-American communities in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly ...

, and

funk Funk is a music genre that originated in African American communities in the mid-1960s when musicians created a rhythmic, danceable new form of music through a mixture of various music genres that were popular among African Americans in the mi ...

music. Celebrating 10 years as a band, in 1980, Magma performed three nights at

L'Olympia The Olympia (; commonly known as L'Olympia or in the English-speaking world as Olympia Hall) is a concert venue in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, France, located at 28 Boulevard des Capucines, equally distancing Madeleine church and Opéra G ...

in Paris, with guest appearances from many of the group's past musicians. These were recorded and released as ''

Retrospektïẁ (Parts I+II) ''Retrospektïẁ (Parts I+II)'' is a live album by French rock band Magma. Released in 1981, it documents live recordings from a series of Magma reunion shows in Paris on 9, 10 and 11 June 1980. It was originally released on RCA, and has been re ...

'' and '' Retrospektïẁ (Part III)''. The concerts were successful, and allowed Magma to play a number of shows around France, including a three-week residency at Paris's

Bobino Bobino at 20 rue de la Gaîté, in the Montparnasse area of Paris ( 14th arrondissement), France, is a music hall theatre that has seen most of the biggest names of 20th century French music perform there. During its long history it was also ...

in 1981, which was recorded and filmed, and later released as ''Concert Bobino 1981''. In 1984, the band recorded the album '' Merci'', and disbanded shortly afterwards. Christian Vander formed other projects such as Offering, and various jazz projects including the Christian Vander Trio.

Reformation (1996–present)

While performing as Offering, Vander would occasionally perform Magma songs. In 1989, professional snooker champion

Steve Davis Steve Davis (born 22 August 1957) is an English retired professional snooker player who is currently a commentator, musician, DJ, and author. He is best known for dominating professional snooker during the 1980s, when he reached eight World S ...

convinced Vander to perform a reunion tour (at least six shows) which led Vander to consider reuniting Magma. After the dissolution of Offering, this was fully realised in 1996 after friend Bernard Ivan asked Vander if he was considering reviving Magma, as he was confident he could get Vander concert dates. Vander agreed, but confessed that he didn't think there would be any remaining interest in the band. Ivan came back to Vander to tell him he fully booked a number of gigs for Magma and Vander, surprised, quickly cobbled a lineup from Offering and friends in the music scene to create a new 14-piece Magma. Vander decided to revive some sections of tracks he had written back in 1972-1973 while working on ''Köhntarkösz'' on this new tour. Eventually, these merged into one big composition '' K.A (Köhntarkösz Anteria)'', which released in 2004 to acclaim and surprise at their comeback. ''K.A'' is conceptually the prequel to ''Köhntarkösz'', which was then followed up by a sequel ''

Ëmëhntëhtt-Ré ''Ëmëhntëhtt-Ré'' is the tenth studio album by French rock band Magma. It was released on 20 October 2009. Parts of it have been played live since 1975 and can be found on various albums as extracts or live versions. Included with the CD is ...

'' in 2009, ending a narrative trilogy between the three albums. Magma announced that they would officially release their new album '' Kartëhl'' on 30 September. The album is a collective work of the band members. The copyright proceeds of the track ''Dëhndë'' will be donated to a charity for people with

autism The autism spectrum, often referred to as just autism or in the context of a professional diagnosis autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC), is a neurodevelopmental condition (or conditions) characterized by difficulti ...

. Magma still tour today.

Kobaïan

Kobaïan is a lyrical language created by French drummer and composer Christian Vander for his

band Magma. It is the language of Kobaïa, a

fictional planet Planets in science fiction are fictional planets that appear in various media of the science fiction genre as story-settings or depicted locations. Planet lists For planets from specific fictional milieux, use the following lists: Literatur ...

invented by Vander and the setting for a musical "

space opera Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes space warfare, with use of melodramatic, risk-taking space adventures, relationships, and chivalric romance. Set mainly or entirely in outer space, it features technological and soc ...

" sung in Kobaïan by Magma on fifteen

concept album A concept album is an album whose tracks hold a larger purpose or meaning collectively than they do individually. This is typically achieved through a single central narrative or theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, or lyrical. Some ...

Development

French drummer and composer Christian Vander formed Magma in late 1969 in an attempt to fill the void left by the death of American jazz musician and composer

. Magma's first album, ''

'' (later reissued as ''Kobaïa''), told a story of refugees fleeing a future Earth and settling on a

called Kobaïa. The lyrics were all in Kobaïan (except the title track, sung mostly in English), a language Vander constructed for the album, some sung by soloists and others by "massive quasi-operatic choruses". Over the next three decades Magma made a further thirteen albums that continued the mythology of Kobaïa, all sung in Kobaïan. Vander (his Kobaïan name is Zëbëhn Straïn dë Ğeuštaah) said in an interview that he invented Kobaïan for Magma because "French just wasn't expressive enough. Either for the story or for the sound of the music". He said that the language developed in parallel with the music, that sounds appeared as he was composing on a piano. Vander based Kobaïan in part on elements of Slavic and

Germanic languages The Germanic languages are a branch of the Indo-European language family spoken natively by a population of about 515 million people mainly in Europe, North America, Oceania and Southern Africa. The most widely spoken Germanic language, ...

and in part on the scat-

yodeling Yodeling (also jodeling) is a form of singing which involves repeated and rapid changes of pitch between the low-pitch chest register (or "chest voice") and the high-pitch head register or falsetto. The English word ''yodel'' is derived from the ...

vocal style of American

avant garde The avant-garde (; In 'advance guard' or 'vanguard', literally 'fore-guard') is a person or work that is experimental, radical, or unorthodox with respect to art, culture, or society.John Picchione, The New Avant-garde in Italy: Theoretical D ...

jazz singer

Leon Thomas Amos Leon Thomas Jr. (October 4, 1937 – May 8, 1999), known professionally as Leon Thomas, was an American jazz and blues vocalist, born in East St. Louis, Illinois, and known for his bellowing glottal-stop style of free jazz singing in the ...

. The subsequent expansion of the language became a group effort, and as Magma's personnel changed, so new ideas were incorporated into the language (and the music). British music critic

Ian MacDonald Ian MacCormick (known by the pseudonym Ian MacDonald; 3 October 1948 – 20 August 2003) was a British music critic and author, best known for both '' Revolution in the Head'', his critical history of the Beatles which borrowed techniques from ...

said that Kobaïan is "

phonetic Phonetics is a branch of linguistics that studies how humans produce and perceive sounds, or in the case of sign languages, the equivalent aspects of sign. Linguists who specialize in studying the physical properties of speech are phoneticians. ...

, not

semantic Semantics (from grc, σημαντικός ''sēmantikós'', "significant") is the study of reference, meaning, or truth. The term can be used to refer to subfields of several distinct disciplines, including philosophy, linguistics and comput ...

", and that it is based on "

sonorities A sonority hierarchy or sonority scale is a hierarchical ranking of speech sounds (or phones). Sonority is loosely defined as the loudness of speech sounds relative to other sounds of the same pitch, length and stress, therefore sonority is often ...

, not on applied meanings". One of Magma's singers, Klaus Blasquiz, described Kobaïan as "a language of the heart" whose words are "inseparable from the music". Magma expert Michael Draine said "the abstraction provided by the Kobaïan verse seems to inspire Magma's singers to heights of emotional abandon rarely permitted by conventional lyrics". The Kobaïan lyrics on Magma's albums were generally not translated (though both Kobaïan lyrics and an English translation were provided for the first UK release on A&M of ''

''), but clues to the unfolding story of Kobaïa were given in French in the albums'

liner notes Liner notes (also sleeve notes or album notes) are the writings found on the sleeves of LP record albums and in booklets that come inserted into the compact disc jewel case or the equivalent packaging for cassettes. Origin Liner notes are des ...

. While the original intent of the language was to avoid over-scrutiny, unofficial Kobaïan online

lexicon A lexicon is the vocabulary of a language or branch of knowledge (such as nautical or medical). In linguistics, a lexicon is a language's inventory of lexemes. The word ''lexicon'' derives from Greek word (), neuter of () meaning 'of or fo ...

s were created by Magma fans, and Vander himself has since translated many of the words.

Influence

Christian Vander called Magma's music "

" (Kobaïan for "celestial"), and it influenced a number of other (mostly French) bands, including Zao (France),

Art Zoyd Art Zoyd is a French band formed in 1969, mixing free jazz, progressive rock and avant-garde electronica. Gérard Hourbette was the band's director and composer until his death in May 2018. Another key member of the band was Thierry Zaboitzeff, ...

(France) and

Univers Zero Univers Zero (also known as Univers Zéro and Univers-Zero) are an instrumental Belgian band formed in 1974 by drummer Daniel Denis. The band is known for its dark style of progressive rock, heavily influenced by 20th-century chamber music. Histo ...

(Belgium). Zeuhl later became a

music genre A music genre is a conventional category that identifies some pieces of music as belonging to a shared tradition or set of conventions. It is to be distinguished from '' musical form'' and musical style, although in practice these terms are som ...

which was used to describe music similar to that of Magma. Several Japanese Zeuhl bands also sprang up, including

Ruins Ruins () are the remains of a civilization's architecture. The term refers to formerly intact structures that have fallen into a state of partial or total disrepair over time due to a variety of factors, such as lack of maintenance, deliberate ...

and

Kōenji Hyakkei , also known as Kōenjihyakkei, is a Japanese Zeuhl band led by Tatsuya Yoshida (from the Japanese band Ruins), and is "his tribute to the 'Zeuhl' music" of French prog-rock band Magma. The band released their first (self-titled) album in 1994 w ...

, whose lyrics are also sung in a

constructed language A constructed language (sometimes called a conlang) is a language whose phonology, grammar, and vocabulary, instead of having developed naturally, are consciously devised for some purpose, which may include being devised for a work of fiction. ...

similar to Kobaïan.

Style and influences

Christian Vander has described the style of

that he developed with Magma in France from 1969 onwards as "zeuhl".

Dominique Leone Dominique Leone is an American musician and writer based in New York City. He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on December 29, 1973, and grew up in the Dallas, Texas area. Leone began writing music reviews for Pitchfork Media in 2001, and was ...

, writing for ''

Pitchfork A pitchfork (also a hay fork) is an agricultural tool with a long handle and two to five tines used to lift and pitch or throw loose material, such as hay, straw, manure, or leaves. The term is also applied colloquially, but inaccurately, to ...

'', says the style is "about what you'd expect an alien rock opera to sound like: massed, chanted choral motifs, martial, repetitive percussion, sudden bursts of explosive improv and just as unexpected lapses into eerie, minimalist trance-rock." The term comes from

, the

created by Vander for Magma. He has said that it means ''celestial''; that "Zeuhl music means 'vibratory music'" and that zeuhl is "''L'esprit au travers de la matière''. That is Zeuhl. Zeuhl is also the sound which you can feel vibrating in your belly. Pronounce the word Zeuhl very slowly, and stress the letter 'z' at the beginning, and you will feel your body vibrating." Originally applied solely to the music of Magma, the term "zeuhl" was eventually used to describe the similar music produced by French bands beginning in the 1970s. In addition to Magma, bands who are associated with the term include: Happy Family,

, and

from Japan, and French band Zao. Vander was musically influenced by

and

Carl Orff Carl Orff (; 10 July 1895 – 29 March 1982) was a German composer and music educator, best known for his cantata '' Carmina Burana'' (1937). The concepts of his Schulwerk were influential for children's music education. Life Early life Carl ...

Legacy

The band is widely considered to be musically adventurous and imaginative among music critics. Magma uses choirs extensively in a way reminiscent of the composer

. Magma's music is also highly influenced by

jazz Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a m ...

saxophone The saxophone (often referred to colloquially as the sax) is a type of Single-reed instrument, single-reed woodwind instrument with a conical body, usually made of brass. As with all single-reed instruments, sound is produced when a reed (mouthpi ...

player

, and Vander has said that "it is still Coltrane who actually gives me the real material to work on, to be able to move on". Many of the musicians who have played with Magma have also formed solo projects or spinoff acts. The Kobaïan term

has come to refer to the musical style of these bands and the French

jazz fusion Jazz fusion (also known as fusion and progressive jazz) is a music genre that developed in the late 1960s when musicians combined jazz harmony and improvisation with rock music, funk, and rhythm and blues. Electric guitars, amplifiers, and ke ...

symphonic rock Progressive rock (shortened as prog rock or simply prog; sometimes conflated with art rock) is a broad genre of rock music that developed in the United Kingdom and United States through the mid- to late 1960s, peaking in the early 1970s. Initi ...

scene that grew around them. Besides Christian Vander, other well-known Magma alumni include the violinist

, bassist-composer Jannick "Janik" Top, and spinoff act Weidorje.

Fandom

The band has a number of high-profile fans. Punk rock singer

Johnny Rotten John Joseph Lydon (; born 31 January 1956), also known by his former stage name Johnny Rotten, is an English singer and songwriter. He was the lead singer of the late-1970s punk band the Sex Pistols, which lasted from 1975 until 1978, and aga ...

, metal musician

Kristoffer Rygg Kristoffer Rygg (born 9 September 1976), also known as Garm, Trickster G. Rex and God Head, is a heavy-metal vocalist, musician and producer known primarily for his work with Ulver, Arcturus, and Borknagar. Biography Born in Oslo but raised ...

Steven Wilson Steven John Wilson (born 3 November 1967) is an English musician. He is the founder, guitarist, lead vocalist and songwriter of the rock band Porcupine Tree, as well as being a member of several other bands, including Blackfield, Storm Corrosi ...

Porcupine Tree Porcupine Tree are an English rock band formed by musician Steven Wilson in 1987. During an initial career spanning more than twenty years, they earned critical acclaim from critics and fellow musicians, developed a cult following, and became ...

Mikael Åkerfeldt Lars Mikael Åkerfeldt (; born 17 April 1974)Mikael Åkerfeldt
, Op ...

Opeth Opeth is a Swedish progressive metal/ rock band from Stockholm, formed in 1990 by lead vocalist David Isberg. The group has been through several personnel changes, including the replacement of every original member; notably Isberg in 1992. Mik ...

Cattle Decapitation Cattle Decapitation is an American deathgrind band from San Diego, California, formed in 1996. The band's current lineup includes vocalist Travis Ryan, guitarists Josh Elmore and Belisario Dimuzio, bassist Olivier Pinard, and drummer David McGr ...

vocalist Travis Ryan, magician

Penn Jillette Penn Fraser Jillette (born March 5, 1955) is an American magician, actor, musician, inventor, television presenter, and author, best known for his work with fellow magician Teller as half of the team Penn & Teller. The duo has been featured i ...

, and Chilean filmmaker

Alejandro Jodorowsky Alejandro Jodorowsky Prullansky (; born 17 February 1929) is a Chilean-French avant-garde filmmaker. Best known for his 1970s films ''El Topo'' and '' The Holy Mountain'', Jodorowsky has been "venerated by cult cinema enthusiasts" for his work ...

have all stated their admiration of the band. In the 1980s, British World champion snooker player

declared himself a passionate follower of the band since his youth and used some of his winnings to promote a series of concerts by Magma in London. Television journalist

Antoine de Caunes Antoine de Caunes (born 1 December 1953) is a French television presenter, actor, writer and film director. He is the son of two prominent French personalities, television journalist-reporter Georges de Caunes and television announcer Jacqueline ...

wrote a biography of the band entitled ''Magma''. In 2017, documentary filmmaker Laurent Goldstein directed ''To Life, Death and Beyond – The Music of Magma''. Interviewees include Christian Vander, Stella Vander, James MacGaw, Trey Gunn,

Robert Trujillo Roberto Agustín Miguel Santiago Samuel Trujillo Veracruz (; born October 23, 1964) is an American musician, best known as the bassist for heavy metal band Metallica since 2003. He first rose to prominence as the bassist of crossover thrash ban ...

, and

Jello Biafra Eric Reed Boucher (born June 17, 1958), known professionally as Jello Biafra, is an American singer, spoken word artist and politician. He is the former lead singer and songwriter for the San Francisco punk rock band Dead Kennedys. Initially ac ...

Discography

;Studio albums * 1970: ''

'' (reissued as ''Kobaïa'') * 1971: ''

'' (or ''Magma 2'') * 1973: ''

'' * 1974: '' Ẁurdah Ïtah'' (originally ''Tristan & Iseult'' by Christian Vander) * 1974: ''

'' * 1976: '' Üdü Ẁüdü'' * 1978: ''

'' * 1984: '' Merci'' * 1989: ''

Mekanïk Kommandöh ''Mekanïk Kommandöh'' is an album by French rock band Magma. It was recorded in 1973, but not released until 1989 File:1989 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: The Cypress Street Viaduct, Cypress structure collapses as a result of the 1 ...

'' (archival, original version of Mëkanïk Dëstruktïẁ Kömmandöh) * 2004: '' K.A (Köhntarkösz Anteria)'' * 2009: ''

'' * 2012: '' Félicité Thösz'' * 2014: '' Rïah Sahïltaahk'' * 2015: '' Šlaǧ Tanƶ'' * 2019: '' Zëss'' * 2022: '' Kartëhl'' ;Live albums * 1975: ''

Live/Hhaï ''Live/Hhaï'' (also known as ''Magma Live'', ''Live Köhntark'', and ''Hhaï Live'') is the first live album and fifth album in total by French rock group Magma. It was recorded in Paris between the 1st and 5 June 1975 at the Taverne de l'Olymp ...

'' * 1977: ''

Inédits ''Inédits'' is an album by French rock band Magma. It was released in 1977 and features unreleased pieces and music that would eventually be used in the band's 2004 studio album '' K.A. (Kohntarkosz Anteria)''. The album was first released on Ta ...

'' * 1981: ''

'' * 1981: '' Retrospektïẁ (Part III)'' * 1989: Akt X: ''

'' (earlier studio recording of Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh from 1973) ifferent from the bonus track mentioned above* 1992: Akt I: '' Les Voix De Magma'' (from August 2, 1992 at Douarnenez) * 1994: Akt IV: '' Theatre Du Taur Concert, 1975'' (from September 24, 1975) * 1995: Akt V: ''Concert Bobino 1981'' (from May 16, 1981) * 1996: Akt VIII: ''Bruxelles 1971'' (from November 12, 1971 at Theatre 140) * 1996: Akt IX: ''Opéra De Reims, 1976'' (from March 2, 1976) * 1999: Akt XIII: ''BBC 1974 Londres'' (from March 14, 1974 at the London BBC studios) * 2001: '' Trilogie Theusz Hamtaahk (Concert du Trianon)'', CD + DVD * 2008: Akt XV: ''Bourges, 1979'' (from April 17, 1979) * 2009: ''Live in Tokyo 2005'' * 2014: ''Zühn Wöhl Ünsai – Live 1974'' (2 CD; Radio Bremen recordings) * 2021: ''Eskähl 2020'' (Bordeaux, Toulouse, Perpignan) ;EPs * 1998: ''Floë Ëssi/Ëktah'' * 2014: ''Rïah Sahïltaahk'' * 2015: ''Šlaǧ Tanƶ'' ;Compilations/boxsets/other material * 1972: ''

'' (studio album released under the alias "Univeria Zekt") * 1986: ''Mythes et Légendes Vol. I'' (compilation) * 1992: Akt II: ''Sons: Document 1973'' (recorded in 1973 at Le Manor, featuring a scaled-back line-up of Christian Vander, Klaus Blasquiz, Jannick Top and René Garber) * 1997: ''Kompila'' * 1998: ''Simples'' * 2008: ''Archiẁ I & II'' (included in the '' Studio Zünd: 40 Ans d'Evolution'' boxset) * 2008: '' Studio Zünd: 40 Ans d'Evolution'' (12 disc box set, includes ''Kobaïa'' to ''K.A'' plus ''Archiẁ'' I & II) * 2015: ''Köhnzert Zünd'' (12 CD; Live recordings, from ''Magma Live'' to ''Trilogie Au Trianon'' plus ''Triton Zünd'' and ''Alhambra 2009'') * 2017: ''Retrospektïw'' (3 LPs. Includes ''Retrospektïw'' I, II & III series. Limited edition of 1,500 numbered copies. Also includes the comic strip.) ;Videos * 1995: ''Concert Bobino 1981'' (Akt VI), DVD (also released on VHS video cassette) * 2001: '' Trilogie Theusz Hamtaahk (Concert du Trianon)'', DVD + CD * 2006: ''Mythes et Légendes Epok 1'', DVD * 2006: ''Mythes et Légendes Epok 2'', DVD * 2007: ''Mythes et Légendes Epok 3'', DVD * 2008: ''Mythes et Légendes Epok 4'', DVD * 2013: ''Mythes et Légendes Epok 5'', DVD * 2016: ''Nihao Hamtaï – Magma in China'', DVD * 2017: ''Ëmëhntëhtt-Rê Trilogy'', DVD

Personnel

Members

* Violinist:

* Guitarists: Claude Engel, Claude Olmos, Gabriel Federow, Marc Fosset, James Mac Gaw, Jean-Luc Chevalier (currently guitarist with

Tri Yann Tri Yann () is a French band from Nantes who play folk rock music drawing on traditional Breton folk ballads. The band was founded in 1969 by Jean Chocun, Jean-Paul Corbineau and Jean-Louis Jossic – all of whom remained members – hence the ...

), Jim Grandcamp, Rudy Blas, Brian Godding. * Bassists: Jannick Top, Bernard Paganotti, Guy Delacroix, Francis Moze, Laurent Thibault, Michel Hervé, Dominique Bertram, Marc Éliard (currently bassist with Indochine), Philippe Bussonnet, Jimmy Top * Keyboardists: Benoît Widemann, Michel Graillier, Gérard Bikialo, Jean Luc Manderlier, François "Faton" Cahen (ancien leader du groupe Zao), Guy Khalifa, Sofia Domancich, Patrick Gauthier, Simon Goubert, Pierre-Michel Sivadier, Jean Pol Asseline, Jean Pierre Fouquey, Frédéric D'Oelsnitz, Benoît Alziari (plus vibraphone and

theremin The theremin (; originally known as the ætherphone/etherphone, thereminophone or termenvox/thereminvox) is an electronic musical instrument controlled without physical contact by the performer (who is known as a thereminist). It is named afte ...

), Emmanuel Borghi, Bruno Ruder, Thierry Eliez * Saxophonists: Teddy Lasry, Richard Raux, Alain Guillard, René Garber and Jeff "Yochk’o" Seffer * Trumpeters: Louis Toesca and Yvon Guillard * Male vocalists: Klaus Blasquiz, Christian Vander, Guy Khalifa, Antoine Paganotti and Hervé Aknin * Female vocalists:

, Isabelle Feuillebois, Maria Popkiewicz, Liza de Luxe, Himiko Paganotti, Sandrine Fougère, Sandrine Destefanis, Sylvie Fisichella, Laura Guarrato * Drummers and percussionists: Christian Vander, Michel Garrec, Doudou Weiss, Simon Goubert, Clément Bailly, Claude Salmiéri, François Laizeau.

Timeline

ImageSize = width:1000 height:auto barincrement:15 PlotArea = left:120 bottom:80 top:0 right:50 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/01/1969 till:31/12/2016 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Colors = id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar id:bass value:blue legend:Bass id:doublebass value:oceanblue legend:Double_bass id:drums value:orange legend:Drums id:percu value:claret legend:Percussions id:keys value:purple legend:Keyboards id:sax value:skyblue legend:Saxophone id:trump value:yelloworange legend:Trumpet id:violon value:drabgreen legend:Violin id:Lines value:black legend:Studio_album_release Legend = position:bottom columns:1 ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:2 start:1969 ScaleMinor = unit:year increment:1 start:1970 BarData = bar:Christian text:"Christian Vander" bar:MarcD text:"Marc Delouya" bar:Jean-C text:"Jean-Claude Buire" bar:Lucien text:"Lucien Zabuski" bar:Klaus text:"Klaus Blasquiz" bar:Stella text:"Stella Vander" bar:Liza text:"Liza Deluxe" bar:Flo text:"Florence Bertaux" bar:Maria text:"Maria Popkiewicz" bar:Julie text:"Julie Vander" bar:Isabelle text:"Isabelle Feuillebois" bar:Addie text:"Addie Déat" bar:Jean-Fr text:"Jean-François Déat" bar:Antoine text:"Antoine Paganotti" bar:Herve text:"Hervé Aknin" bar:Jean-Jac text:"Jean-Jacques Ferry" bar:Eric text:"Eric Grimbert" bar:Claude text:"Claude Engel" bar:Marc text:"Marc Fosset" bar:Claude2 text:"Claude Olmos" bar:Gabriel text:"Gabriel Federow" bar:Jean text:"Jean De Antoni" bar:Jean-Luc2 text:"Jean-Luc Chevalier" bar:Jean-Michel text:"Jean-Michel Kajdan" bar:Franck text:"Franck Vedel" bar:MacGaw text:"James Mac Gaw" bar:Laurent text:"Laurent Thibault" bar:Jacky text:"Jacky Vidal" bar:Francis text:"Francis Moze" bar:Jean-Pierre text:"Jean-Pierre Lembert" bar:Jannick text:"Jannick Top" bar:Bernard text:"Bernard Paganotti" bar:Guy2 text:"Guy Delacroix" bar:Dominique text:"Dominique Bertram" bar:Michel2 text:"Michel Hervé" bar:MarcE text:"Marc Éliard" bar:Jean-Marc text:"Jean-Marc Duroure" bar:Philippe text:"Philippe Dardelle" bar:Philippe2 text:"Philippe Bussonnet" bar:Michel text:"Michel Graillier" bar:Eddy text:"Eddy Rabbin" bar:Faton text:"Faton Cahen" bar:Jean-Luc text:"Jean-Luc Manderlier" bar:Gérard text:"Gérard Bikialo" bar:Jean-Pol text:"Jean-Pol Asseline" bar:Benoît text:"Benoît Widemann" bar:Patrick text:"Patrick Gauthier" bar:Francis2 text:"Francis Lockwood" bar:André text:"André Hervé" bar:Emmanuel text:"Emmanuel Borghi" bar:Pierre-M text:"Pierre-Michel Sivadier" bar:Fred text:"Fred d'Oelsnitz" bar:Benoît2 text:"Benoît Alziary" bar:Bruno text:"Bruno Ruder" bar:Jérémie text:"Jérémie Ternoy" bar:René text:"René Morizur" bar:René2 text:"René Garber" bar:Richard text:"Richard Raux" bar:Jeff text:"Jeff Seffer" bar:Teddy text:"Teddy Lasry" bar:Guy text:"Guy Marco" bar:Paco text:"Paco Charlery" bar:Louis text:"Louis Toesca" bar:Didier text:"Didier Lockwood" PlotData= width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4) bar:Lucien from:01/01/1969 till:01/08/1969 color:vocals bar:Klaus from:01/09/1969 till:01/09/1976 color:vocals bar:Klaus from:01/11/1976 till:01/02/1979 color:vocals bar:Klaus from:01/01/1980 till:01/10/1980 color:vocals bar:Klaus from:01/02/1990 till:31/12/1990 color:vocals bar:Klaus from:01/01/1992 till:31/12/1992 color:vocals bar:Stella from:31/12/1972 till:01/09/1976 color:vocals bar:Stella from:01/11/1976 till:01/02/1979 color:vocals bar:Stella from:01/06/1979 till:01/02/1985 color:vocals bar:Stella from:01/02/1990 till:end color:vocals bar:Liza from:01/03/1976 till:01/09/1976 color:vocals bar:Liza from:01/06/1977 till:01/02/1979 color:vocals bar:Liza from:01/01/1980 till:31/12/1984 color:vocals bar:Flo from:01/01/1977 till:01/06/1977 color:vocals bar:Julie from:01/02/1990 till:31/12/1991 color:vocals bar:Julie from:01/07/1992 till:01/07/1996 color:vocals bar:Julie from:12/05/2000 till:14/05/2000 color:vocals bar:Isabelle from:01/02/1990 till:end color:vocals bar:Addie from:01/02/1990 till:31/12/1991 color:vocals bar:Jean-Fr from:01/02/1990 till:31/12/1990 color:vocals bar:Jean-Fr from:01/07/1996 till:01/07/1997 color:vocals bar:Antoine from:01/01/1999 till:11/02/2008 color:vocals bar:Herve from:01/01/2008 till:end color:vocals bar:Jean-Jac from:01/01/1969 till:01/04/1969 color:guitar bar:Eric from:01/01/1969 till:01/04/1969 color:guitar bar:Claude from:01/04/1969 till:01/12/1971 color:guitar bar:Claude from:01/06/1980 till:01/12/1980 color:guitar bar:Marc from:15/01/1973 till:01/03/1973 color:guitar bar:Claude2 from:15/01/1973 till:01/08/1974 color:guitar bar:Jean-Luc2 from:01/06/1978 till:01/02/1979 color:guitar bar:Jean-Luc2 from:01/06/1979 till:01/12/1979 color:guitar bar:Jean-Luc2 from:01/01/1980 till:01/01/1985 color:guitar bar:Franck from:01/02/1990 till:31/12/1990 color:guitar bar:Franck from:01/07/1996 till:01/10/1997 color:guitar bar:MacGaw from:01/10/1997 till:end color:guitar bar:Laurent from:01/01/1969 till:01/01/1970 color:bass bar:Jacky from:01/09/1969 till:01/01/1970 color:bass bar:Francis from:01/01/1970 till:31/12/1970 color:bass bar:Francis from:01/06/1980 till:01/12/1980 color:bass bar:Francis from:01/10/1984 till:01/02/1985 color:bass bar:Jean-Pierre from:31/12/1972 till:01/03/1973 color:bass bar:Bernard from:01/01/1975 till:01/09/1976 color:bass bar:Bernard from:01/11/1976 till:01/01/1977 color:bass bar:Bernard from:01/06/1980 till:01/12/1980 color:bass bar:Jannick from:01/03/1973 till:01/11/1974 color:bass bar:Jannick from:01/03/1976 till:01/09/1976 color:bass bar:Jannick from:01/10/1980 till:01/06/1981 color:bass bar:Philippe2 from:01/01/1995 till:end color:bass bar:Christian from:01/01/1969 till:01/09/1976 color:drums bar:Christian from:01/01/1969 till:01/09/1976 color:vocals width:3 bar:Christian from:01/11/1976 till:01/02/1979 color:drums bar:Christian from:01/11/1976 till:01/02/1979 color:vocals width:3 bar:Christian from:01/06/1979 till:01/02/1985 color:drums bar:Christian from:01/06/1979 till:01/02/1985 color:vocals width:3 bar:Christian from:01/02/1990 till:end color:drums bar:Christian from:01/02/1990 till:end color:vocals width:3 bar:MarcD from:01/02/1990 till:31/12/1990 color:drums bar:Jean-C from:01/02/1990 till:31/12/1990 color:percu bar:Francis from:01/01/1969 till:01/04/1969 color:keys bar:Eddy from:01/04/1969 till:01/09/1969 color:keys bar:Faton from:01/09/1969 till:31/12/1972 color:keys bar:Faton from:01/06/1980 till:01/12/1980 color:keys bar:Jean-Luc from:31/12/1971 till:01/05/1973 color:keys bar:Michel from:31/12/1972 till:15/01/1973 color:keys bar:Michel from:01/05/1973 till:31/12/1973 color:keys bar:Michel from:01/03/1969 till:01/09/1976 color:keys bar:Michel from:01/06/1982 till:01/10/1983 color:keys bar:Gérard from:15/01/1973 till:01/03/1973 color:keys bar:Gérard from:01/03/1974 till:01/08/1974 color:keys bar:Jean-Pol from:01/09/1974 till:01/08/1975 color:keys bar:Jean-Pol from:01/11/1976 till:01/01/1977 color:keys bar:Benoît from:01/09/1974 till:01/09/1976 color:keys bar:Benoît from:01/11/1976 till:01/06/1978 color:keys bar:Benoît from:01/06/1979 till:01/06/1982 color:keys bar:Patrick from:01/09/1975 till:01/09/1976 color:keys bar:Patrick from:01/06/1980 till:01/12/1980 color:keys bar:Patrick from:01/06/1981 till:01/06/1982 color:keys bar:Patrick from:01/01/1983 till:01/12/1983 color:keys bar:Patrick from:01/01/1992 till:01/07/1992 color:keys bar:Fred from:01/03/2003 till:01/01/2005 color:keys bar:Jérémie from:01/01/2012 till:end color:keys bar:Bruno from:01/01/2008 till:01/01/2012 color:keys bar:Benoît2 from:01/02/2006 till:end color:keys bar:Benoît2 from:01/02/2006 till:end color:percu width:3 bar:Guy from:01/04/1969 till:01/09/1969 color:trump bar:Paco from:01/09/1969 till:01/08/1970 color:trump bar:Paco from:01/09/1969 till:01/08/1970 color:trump bar:Louis from:15/01/1971 till:31/12/1972 color:trump bar:Louis from:01/06/1980 till:01/12/1980 color:trump bar:René from:01/04/1969 till:01/09/1969 color:sax bar:René2 from:01/04/1969 till:01/09/1976 color:sax bar:René2 from:01/11/1976 till:01/02/1979 color:sax bar:René2 from:01/06/1979 till:01/10/1984 color:sax bar:Richard from:01/09/1969 till:01/08/1970 color:sax bar:Richard from:01/10/1980 till:01/06/1981 color:sax bar:Jeff from:01/08/1970 till:31/12/1972 color:sax bar:Jeff from:01/06/1980 till:01/12/1980 color:sax bar:Teddy from:01/01/1970 till:31/12/1972 color:sax bar:Teddy from:01/03/1973 till:01/08/1974 color:sax bar:Teddy from:01/06/1980 till:01/12/1980 color:sax bar:Gabriel from:01/09/1974 till:01/09/1976 color:guitar bar:Gabriel from:01/11/1976 till:01/01/1977 color:guitar bar:Gabriel from:01/06/1980 till:01/12/1980 color:guitar bar:Didier from:01/09/1974 till:01/09/1976 color:violon bar:Didier from:01/06/1980 till:01/12/1980 color:violon bar:Didier from:01/01/1992 till:31/12/1992 color:violon bar:Didier from:01/01/1992 till:01/07/1992 color:violon bar:Jean from:01/01/1977 till:31/12/1977 color:guitar bar:Jean from:01/06/1979 till:31/12/1979 color:guitar bar:Guy2 from:01/01/1977 till:01/02/1979 color:bass bar:Guy2 from:01/10/1984 till:01/02/1985 color:bass bar:André from:01/06/1978 till:01/02/1979 color:keys bar:André from:01/06/1979 till:31/12/1979 color:keys bar:Emmanuel from:01/02/1990 till:31/12/1991 color:keys bar:Emmanuel from:01/07/1992 till:01/07/1996 color:keys bar:Emmanuel from:01/10/1997 till:31/12/2008 color:keys bar:Pierre-M from:01/02/1990 till:31/12/1991 color:keys bar:Pierre-M from:01/07/1992 till:31/12/1998 color:keys bar:Maria from:01/06/1978 till:01/02/1979 color:vocals bar:Maria from:01/06/1979 till:01/02/1983 color:vocals bar:Dominique from:01/10/1979 till:01/02/1985 color:bass bar:Francis2 from:01/10/1979 till:01/06/1980 color:keys bar:Francis2 from:01/10/1980 till:01/06/1981 color:keys bar:Michel2 from:01/10/1979 till:01/06/1980 color:bass bar:MarcE from:01/02/1990 till:31/12/1990 color:bass bar:Jean-Marc from:01/02/1990 till:31/12/1990 color:bass bar:Philippe from:01/02/1990 till:31/12/1990 color:doublebass bar:Philippe from:01/07/1992 till:01/07/1996 color:doublebass bar:Jean-Michel from:01/10/1979 till:01/02/1980 color:guitar bar:Jean-Michel from:01/10/1980 till:01/02/1982 color:guitar LineData = at:01/01/1970 color:black layer:back at:01/01/1971 color:black layer:back at:01/01/1973 color:black layer:back at:01/01/1974 color:black layer:back at:01/08/1974 color:black layer:back at:01/01/1976 color:black layer:back at:01/01/1978 color:black layer:back at:01/01/1984 color:black layer:back at:01/01/2004 color:black layer:back at:01/01/2004 color:black layer:back at:01/01/2009 color:black layer:back at:01/01/2012 color:black layer:back at:01/01/2014 color:black layer:back at:01/01/2015 color:black layer:back

References

Reading list

* *

External links

Seventh Records
Christian Vander's record label
Utopic Records
Jannick Top's record label

'' Perfect Sound Forever''.
Unofficial Kobaïan–English Dictionary
* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Magma French progressive rock groups Musical groups established in 1969 Zeuhl Musical groups from Paris

History

Beginnings (1967–1971)

''Mëkanïk Dëstruktïẁ Kömmandöh,'' to ''Üdü Wüdü'' (1972–1977)

Changing sound and breakup (1978–1984)

Reformation (1996–present)

Kobaïan

Development

Influence

Style and influences

Legacy

Fandom

Discography

Personnel

Members

Timeline

See also

References

Reading list

External links