Attahk cover

Attahk

Magma · 1978

39 min · 7 tracks · Zeuhl

A hypnotic blend of avant-garde rock and jazz, weaving complex rhythms with ethereal vocals and a cosmic atmosphere.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Spiritual (Gospel) — This track stands out with its gospel-infused harmonies that contrast the heavier elements typical of Magma’s sound, reflecting a spiritual depth.
  • →
    Dondaï (A un Amour éternel) — Dondaï showcases lush melodies and intricate arrangements, embodying the album's thematic exploration of eternal love through its dynamic musicality.
  • →
    Liriïk Necronomicus Kant — With its narrative-driven composition, this track introduces the characters ÜRGON and GORGO, illustrating Magma's storytelling approach through music.

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 'Attahk' showcases intricate compositions and unique vocal arrangements, solidifying its distinct place in Zeuhl.

What we noticed

  • Vocals are often layered and harmonized, blending operatic styles with spoken word elements throughout the tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that build tension before resolving into melodic passages.
  • The final track features a gradual fade-out, leaving an ethereal quality that contrasts with the more intense earlier pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • cosmic journey through soundscapes
  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • immersive experience for deep focus
  • spiritual undertones for reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
  • seek quick, instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on March 5, 1978, 'Attahk' is Magma's fifth studio album and represents a significant evolution in their sound. At this point in their career, the band was exploring more melodic structures while maintaining their signature complexity, following the ambitious 'Köhntarkösz' and leading into the subsequent 'Üdü Wüdü'.
Stylistic neighbors
Henry Cow· Art Zoyd· Zao

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Last Seven Minutes (1970–1971, Phase I) 7:32
  • 2 Spiritual (Gospel) 3:15
  • 3 Rindë (Chant de l’est) 3:05
  • 4 Liriïk Necronomicus Kant (Où nos deux héros ÜRGON et GORGO se rencontrent) 5:04
  • 5 Maahnt (Epreuve de force entre certaines forces) 5:28
  • 6 Dondaï (A un Amour éternel) 8:00
  • 7 Nono (1978, Phase II) 6:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata