Archaïa | fr

ARCHAÏA were formed in the mid-seventies by MAGMA fans who wanted to do something different: play music using percussion only (no drums) and make full use of the guitar. They have alternately been compared to JADE WARRIOR, ARACHNOID, HELDON, MAHAVISHNU, KING CRIMSON (circa "Red"), UNIVERS ZERO and of course, MAGMA. But their material is totally unique, even by today's standards. Their only album, a self-titled LP released in 1976, is now a hot collectors' item that sells for over $300 US. At the time, however, it sold very poorly - most sales being made by the band themselves after their concerts. They went on making tapes for a while and gathered enough material for a second LP. But in the early 80's, vocalist Pierrick Lebras sold the tapes in a flea market and ARCHAÏA then simply decided to disband. As none of the other members had kept any copies, this tape is probably lost forever.

Propelled by a pulsating bass, their self-titled album is fast moving, featuring varied tempos and extremely dark themes. The music is characterized by a vitriolic fuzz guitar, droning keyboards, synths that have an eerie Twilight Zone quality, and by portentous, creepy, spooky pagan vocals. With haunted house screams and creaking doors, the ominous organ delves deep into the abyss of your soul, zeroing in on your third eye with laser-like precision. This is tensely suspenseful material, sinister, unnerving, not to mention disorienting. Perfectly suited to meditating on Hades, tales of the Dark Lord and stories from the underworld.

Amateurs of Zeuhl and the avant-garde will have a field day with this cd. Not for the faint of heart but very well done and totally convincing. .