Top tracks — play these first
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Ẁöhm dëhm Zeuhl Stadium (Hymne au néant) — This opening track encapsulates the essence of Zeuhl with its complex time signatures and choral arrangements, setting a powerful tone for the album.
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Da Zeuhl Ẁortz dëhm Ẁrëhntt (Les forces de l’univers – les éléments) — The track features an intricate interplay between percussion and melodic lines, showcasing Magma's unique ability to blend symphonic elements with heavy rock.
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Zëss Mahntëhr Kantöhm (Le maître chant) — With its dramatic vocal delivery and dynamic shifts in instrumentation, this piece exemplifies the theatrical nature of Magma's artistry and narrative depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Zëss showcases intricate compositions and unique vocal delivery, solidifying its distinct place in avant-garde rock.
What we noticed
- Vocals are delivered in a theatrical style, alternating between operatic singing and spoken word, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
- Each track is interconnected thematically and musically, with motifs reappearing in different forms, enhancing the sense of a cohesive narrative.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady progression with resolution
- cosmic exploration of existence
- thoughtful listening in order
- immersive experience for deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer simple, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 14, 2019, Zëss is Magma's first studio album in over a decade, marking their return after the 2009 live album, Ëmëhntëhtt-Ré. The band, known for pioneering the Zeuhl genre, continues to push musical boundaries while maintaining their signature sound.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Dï Ẁööhr Sprašer (La voix qui parle)
A pivotal moment occurs when the vocals shift from a soft spoken word to powerful declarations about existence and consciousness.
This transition intensifies the emotional weight of the lyrics, contrasting vulnerability with assertiveness and engaging listeners in a profound exploration of identity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ẁöhm dëhm Zeuhl Stadium (Hymne au néant) 4:55
- 2 Da Zeuhl Ẁortz dëhm Ẁrëhntt (Les forces de l’univers – les éléments) 6:22
- 3 Dï Ẁööhr Sprašer (La voix qui parle) 5:12
- 4 Štreüm Ündets Ẁëhëm (Pont de l’en-delá) 6:04
- 5 Zëss Mahntëhr Kantöhm (Le maître chant) 8:08
- 6 Zï Ïss Ẁöss Štëhëm (Vers l’infiniment) 3:15
- 7 Dümgëhl Blaö (Glas ultime) 3:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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