Ëmëhntëhtt-Ré cover

Released 17 years ago this October

Ëmëhntëhtt-Ré

Magma · 2009

107 min · 7 tracks · Zeuhl

A cosmic journey through intricate rhythms and operatic vocals, merging avant-garde rock with jazz influences in a theatrical soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ëmëhntëhtt‐Ré II — Spanning over 22 minutes, this track exemplifies Magma's signature approach, combining intricate time signatures with dynamic shifts that create a mesmerizing auditory experience.
  • →
    Ëmëhntëhtt‐Ré III — This section expands on the thematic and melodic ideas introduced earlier, layering powerful choral elements that heighten the emotional intensity throughout.
  • →
    Funëhrarïum Kanht — As one of the shorter tracks, it provides a stark contrast to the longer pieces by delivering an impactful burst of rhythm and melody that showcases the band's versatility.

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

The album features complex compositions and a unique sound that defines its genre, with strong cohesion and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

  • The album consists of seven tracks, each building on complex rhythmic patterns that evolve throughout the pieces.
  • The first four tracks flow into one another without interruption, creating a continuous musical narrative.
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
  • patient build to climactic release
  • immersive headphone detail exploration
  • late-night reflective listening experience
  • dynamic rhythms demand full attention

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, standalone tracks
  • seek immediate gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
By the release of Ëmëhntëhtt-Ré in 2009, Magma had established themselves as pioneers of the Zeuhl genre, known for their complex compositions. This album marked their return after a lengthy hiatus since 2004's K.A., showcasing their continued evolution while remaining true to their signature style.
Stylistic neighbors
Henry Cow· Art Zoyd· Zao

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Ëmëhntëhtt‐Ré I 6:54
  • 2 Ëmëhntëhtt‐Ré II 22:24
  • 3 Ëmëhntëhtt‐Ré III 13:07
  • 4 Ëmëhntëhtt‐Ré IV 3:54
  • 5 Funëhrarïum Kanht 4:13
  • 6 Sêhë 0:25

Disc 2

  • 1 Phases 56:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata