Magma (France): Paris based Magma aren't exactly a band that one likes. One is impressed - overwhelmed even. Their kind of black ferocity inspires, rather, horrified fascination. Myriad line-up changes seem to have made very little difference to the dark designs of composer/drummer/leader Christian Vander whose obsession with apocalyptic themes makes Black Sabbath seem like easy listening. Although of French origin, the heaviness of Magma's music has more in common with German composers.