Anyone who has a face like Christian Vander deserves some attention. At least that's what I thought after seeing his fascist features splashed across the advertisement pages of the music-papers over the past few weeks. And I was right. His charisma is one of superhuman quality: massive arms and a face of cruel severity.
The inspiration for his music is explained as being a representation of the collective voice of a piece of metal that's been circling the universe for some millions of years. Absorbing all the sound produced therein/there-out. The lyrics are provided in his own self-wrought language. "Kobaļan".
Even Elvin Jones was reportedly most devastated by young Christian's drumming prowess when he spotted him many years ago in his father's Parisian nightclub.
The ensemble appears clad in the uniform of the new military; unornamented black, graced with a large medallion symbolizing what, I don't know.
The vocalist assumes the stance, seemingly, of an intergalactic interpreter. His voice is not unlike that of a Wagnerian opera chanteur. His gesticulations reduce Charles Manson's vibes to hot dog vendor proportions.
Magma's music is not easily comparable. Try to imagine a combination of Carl Orff's 'Carmina Burana', the mad paradiddles of Tony Williams' 'Lifetime' with John McLaughlin and the discovery of a piece of Kryptonite in your soup.
Never does the manic intensity ease. All transitions are clean and tedium does not obstruct its visionary awareness. Each move is premeditated, masterminded.
The expertise of each member meshes to create an atmosphere of brooding anonymity. No place for bejeweled pretty boys here.
Vander's wild flailings are frightening and beautiful to behold. He sits proud, erect. Not bothering to look at his kit. His assault is precise and immaculate, no compromises, he has definitive control.
It doesn't seem unlikely that Magma cults will soon arise, but you won't find perverts, civil rights, gay lib, or religious fanatics here. White man no like weakling.
Mr. Vander has more up his sleeve than sizeable biceps. Eva Braun - eat your heart out.
Chrissie Hynde