Magma Members, Gear & Sound
French progressive rock band
Members
Select a Magma band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Magma is a pioneering French band known for their groundbreaking fusion of art rock, progressive rock, and jazz fusion, creating a unique genre called Zeuhl. Formed in 1969 by drummer and composer Christian Vander, the group is renowned for their complex compositions and the use of an invented language, Kobaïan, in their lyrics. Over the years, Magma has seen numerous lineup changes, but key members have included Jannik Top (bass), Klaus Blasquiz (vocals), and Stella Vander (vocals). Their music is characterized by a blend of symphonic rock, avant-garde jazz, and experimental elements, drawing on influences from both classical and contemporary sources.
How to Sound Like Magma
Magma's sound is a dynamic blend of rhythmic intensity and avant-garde experimentation, underpinned by complex harmonic structures and driving bass lines. Their music often features intricate polyrhythms and choral-like vocal arrangements, creating a majestic yet otherworldly atmosphere. The use of deep, resonant bass tones, as achieved by Jannik Top's Sadowsky Jazz Bass, adds a rich foundation to their compositions. Additionally, the expansive and ambient textures in their music are often enhanced by the use of effects like the Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron for filtering and modulation. The result is a sound that is both powerful and ethereal, inviting musicians to explore the limits of rock and jazz fusion through a balance of technical prowess and creative exploration.
Discography
Kobaïa
1970
1001° centigrades
1971
Wurdah itah (2020 Remastered)
1974
Üdü wüdü (2020 Remastered Version)
1976
Retrospektïw 1-2-3 (2021 remastered)
1981
Magma
1982
Merci (Remastered)
1984
1001 degrés centigrades
1988
Kohntarkosz
1988
Mythes et légendes
1990
Magma les voix
1992
Retrospektiw iii
1992
Magma 1975 théâtre du taur
1994
![Concert Bobino 1981 (Live) [Remastered] album cover](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/39157/concert-bobino-1981-live-remastered.jpg)
Concert Bobino 1981 (Live) [Remastered]
1995
Live
1995
Inédits
1996
Magma reims 1976
1996
![Concert 1971 Bruxelles Théâtre 140 (Live) [Remastered] album cover](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/39153/concert-1971-bruxelles-theatre-140-live-remastered.jpg)
Concert 1971 Bruxelles Théâtre 140 (Live) [Remastered]
1996
Magma kompila
1997
![BBC 1974 Londres (Live) [2020 Remastered Version] album cover](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/39151/bbc-1974-londres-live-2020-remastered-version.jpg)
BBC 1974 Londres (Live) [2020 Remastered Version]
1999
Trilogie au Trianon / Theusz hamtaahk
2000
Trilogie au trianon / mdk
2000
Trilogie au trianon / wurdah itah
2000
K.a
2004
Attahk
2006
Udu Wudu
2006
Ëmëhntëhtt-Ré
2009
![Bourges 1979 (Live) [Restored and remastered] album cover](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/39142/bourges-1979-live-restored-and-remastered.jpg)
Bourges 1979 (Live) [Restored and remastered]
2009
Félicité thösz
2012
Trilogy
2012
Live in Tokyo 2005 (The Complete Set)
2013
Zühn Wol Ünsai (Live in Bremen 06.02.1974)
2014
Rïah sahïltaahk
2014
Slag tanz
2015
Alhambra 2009 (Live)
2015
Triton Zünd Zëlëkt, Vol. 1 (Live triton 2005)
2015
Triton Zünd Zëlëkt, Vol. 2 (Live triton 2011)
2015
Magma marquee 1974
2018
Zess (Le jour du néant)
2019
Eskähl 2020 Bordeaux-Toulouse-Perpignan
2021
Kãrtëhl
2022
Get the Magma Sound
Want to sound like Magma? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
