What makes 1001° Centigrades by Magma notable?

This album is significant for establishing Magma as pioneers of the Zeuhl genre, which blends progressive rock with jazz and classical influences. Its innovative sound has influenced countless artists and genres, contributing to the development of avant-garde music in the 1970s and beyond. The album received critical acclaim, often cited in discussions about progressive rock's most experimental works. Released on October 5, 1971, '1001° Centigrades' was Magma's second studio album, following their debut 'Köhntarkösz'. By this point, the band had begun to define their unique style of Zeuhl, characterized by complex time signatures and theatrical elements, solidifying their influence within the progressive rock scene.

How many songs are on 1001° Centigrades?

1001° Centigrades has 3 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Released 55 years ago this October

1001° Centigrades

Magma · 1971

41 min · 3 tracks · Zeuhl

A cosmic blend of heavy rhythms and operatic vocals, merging avant-garde jazz with rock into a transcendent experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rïah Sahïltaahk — The opening track serves as an epic introduction to the album’s thematic and sonic landscape, showcasing lengthy instrumental sections intertwined with powerful choral arrangements that set the stage for Magma's ambitious vision.
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“Iss” Lanseï Doïa — This track exemplifies the band's ability to fuse intricate melodies with rhythmic complexity, demonstrating a balance between chaos and harmony that defines their unique sound.
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Ki Ïahl Ö Lïahk — Closing the album, this piece encapsulates the overarching themes present throughout the record while featuring a mix of lyrical intensity and dynamic shifts that highlight Magma's innovative approach to composition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

69 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Magma's unique blend of avant-garde jazz and rock creates a distinct sound that defines the Zeuhl genre.

What we noticed

Operatic vocals are layered over heavy instrumental sections, creating a dynamic interplay between voice and instrumentation.
Each track develops thematic motifs that are revisited and transformed, contributing to a sense of continuity across the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Rïah Sahïltaahk 21:45
2 “Iss” Lanseï Doïa 11:46
3 Ki Ïahl Ö Lïahk 8:23

What to play next

Listen next

The Unnamables

1972

Go back to

Kobaïa

1970

Full Magma discography Where to start with Magma Artists like Magma

Zeuhl

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata