Köhnzert Zünd

I bought this box set mainly in an indignant fit at being asked to shell out not much less for the newly remastered MDK (which ironically has now dropped in price again - so of course I’ve now gone and ordered that too). Maybe this was a blessing in disguise though as this box set is - as other reviewers have already noted - beautifully presented and feels rather special indeed.There are two live renditions of MDK, the latter of which (1980) is truly outstanding but there are quite a number of hitherto unknown (to me) nuggets on this 12 CD set that I would neve have encountered except via snapping up this set (e.g ‘De Futura’: which has the same, almost-unhinged but tourniquet-tight choral chanting of MDK). That being said, you’d have to be a real hardcore Magma/Zeuhl nut to enjoy all these discs have to offers (some of which are downright ugly to listen to at times). I suppose therein lies the paradox of this type of music viz. there is a fine line between beauty and chaos (and on more than a few occasions Magma stray into the latter territory). And yet when they get it right (as they so convincingly did with MDK) it can be utterly transcendent and mesmeric.Audio-reproduction wise the recordings are good (bordering on excellent) and, as I say, the whole presentation is top notch and clearly a labour of love. Even though in all probability I will not play perhaps half the material collected here ever again, it is still a lovely artefact to own of this utterly unique and pioneering band. I’m really pleased I have it in my collection.

When I bought the Studio Zünd set some years ago I figured that it would pretty much cover me for Magma, since it contains all the studio albums up to 2004's Köhntarkösz Anteria. Subsequently, however, Magma have released several further studio recordings (Slag Tanz, Felicité Thösz and Ëmehntëhtt-Ré) and their live catalogue has become confusing for a casual buyer. This new boxed set is therefore a very useful one-stop purchase, not only collecting the earlier live albums (including the performance of the Theusz Hamtaahk trilogy at the Trianon and the Retrospectïw 3CD set) but also adding four generously-filled new discs that provide, amongst other things, live performances of the later studio recordings. There is no live performance in this set of Köhntarkösz Anteria, meaning that the set is not exactly a complete overview of Magma's repertoire, but this set provides a better sense overall of what the band does than Studio Zünd and it's probably fair to say that this becomes the best single-volume purchase for a newcomer to Magma.Of course, to be interested in this set at all you will need to be tolerant of Magma's sound: an unsettling blend of Jazz, Prog and Orff's Carmina Burana with lyrics sung in an incomprehensible made-up language. It's not for all, though I feel that what challenges it presents are fairly superficial and once you get past them the "choral" chanting, rhythmic virtuosity and massive climaxes are appealing, almost populist. The live recordings certainly make these works feel a lot more coherent than they do on their studio counterparts with the Alhambra concert (from 2009) being especially impressive.At nearly nine and a half hours overall, this is a lot to digest but the committed, thrilling and (at times) joyful performances earn that length and I think that many purchasers will be surprised just how compelling this set really is.

Well this has got to be one of the most sumptuously packaged releases I have ever seen and one to sit proudly on display in my collection, along with the 'Studio Zund' 12 CD box.. I am familiar with some of the music within as have the original releases and some of it on DVD but now repackaged in this magnificent release. No doubt re-mastered they will sound even better. I do normally like to listen to it all before reviewing but just have to say if you are fan of this amazing unique band then just buy it, even the price is great value for what you get. As I know most of the content I started with the 'Alhambra' show (disc 11 & 12) Emehntehtt-Re is even better than the studio version, so much power and precission in execution..I saw them again this year in London and they really are one of the most breathtaking and uplifiting live experiences you can ever have. Incredible after 45 years of performing to be as good as ever.And as a Parisian band my heart goes out to you and all Parisians for the dreadful happenings there on Friday 13th November...Vive Le France!(Just noted my copy of the Alhambra disc 1 has the inside track listing for Retrospektiw 111)

Insanely good music packaged in a rather snazzy box. This isn't every single live album they have released as albums such as "Live in Tokyo" are not included, but it has quite a few of the earlier live albums as well as a few "box set" only releases. One of the Triton albums (Vol 1) has a version of "De Futura" which is completely insane. A true face-melter of a track. There is a version of the latest track they released earlier this year "Slag Tanz" on the second Triton album, so this box set does cover a good percentage of Magmas career, from start to finish.There is a book with lots of photos and info too. Well worth purchasing, you won't be disappointed.

What can I say...Magma rock.

Well what can I say?A a long term Magma fan I have also promised to treat myself to one of their boxed sets.This does not disappoint.It is imaginatively packaged and looks like a box of expensive chocolates.Inside are 12 CD's.I have not played then all yet but the recordings I have played are spot on for Live concerts.Highly recommend.

Magma always give their best while performing live, this 12 cd box set spans decades of astounding live performances. Recommended for die-hard fans or for novices alike.

This extraordinary box set arrived yesterday and the presentation has taken my breath away. I am looking forward to spending many hours listening to this excellent collection of live performances of this most original of bands.