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Magma
by
Magma Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 76 Ratings

  • Summary: The sixth full-length studio release for the French metal band was recorded at their own studio in New York.
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Top Track

Stranded
A growing sickness in the heart Distinctive lack of control The cure is somewhere in the silence But I'm crushed by the noise inside Don't lock the... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. The Guardian
    Jun 16, 2016
    100
    Magma is the kind of album that metalheads would love non-believers to check out, if only because it confounds all the usual stereotypes about the genre being unimaginative and dumb.
  2. PopMatters
    Jun 17, 2016
    90
    Magma hardly represents the epitome of the avant-garde in today’s metal scene, but in offering a concise anthology of accessible, immediately engaging songs that nonetheless manage to redefine the edge of the commercial envelope, Gojira set the bar for what arena metal could be five years from now, ten years from now... whenever the more casual heavy metal demographic finally catches up.
  3. Consequence
    Jun 24, 2016
    83
    Magma might not be the album fans were expecting, but it’s really not about them. The Duplantiers had to make this album for themselves. We are the fortunate witnesses.
  4. Spin
    Jun 16, 2016
    80
    On the leaner, extraordinarily concise Magma, you hear Gojira becoming even more fully realized.
  5. Pitchfork
    Jul 8, 2016
    76
    Magma’s not nearly as esoteric as the albums that preceded it--and considering how Gojira’s progressive tendencies have distinguished them from the get-go, the catchiest tracks on the record arguably take the biggest risks.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Jun 17, 2016
    70
    The change in musical course--and the fact that Joe is singing more and screaming less these days--will probably disappoint (or even anger) a certain percentage of the band's devoted fans. But for those who can appreciate a tightly focused hard rock album infused with emotions that are often just as heavy as its riffs, Magma offers a listening experience that is as rewarding as it is therapeutic.
  7. Austin Chronicle
    Aug 18, 2016
    40
    The band hits all marks on melody and dynamics, but the furious passion that drove their past work sounds muted.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. MetalMusicaux
    Jun 17, 2016
    10
    Magma is not an easy listening experience. It’s complicated in it’s delivery and there is so much going on sometimes it gets too much.Magma is not an easy listening experience. It’s complicated in it’s delivery and there is so much going on sometimes it gets too much. However, on repeated listening, from start to finish, you will find something new with each listen. Be it a subtle guitar tone or a crushing bassline, that’s the beauty of Magma. This is a record of true heavy metal exploration. Not confined by boundaries, not sticking to the formula. GOJIRA have crafted a truly remarkable record with Magma, one that perfectly represents just what this band is about; destructive beauty.… Expand
  2. genuswelt
    Jun 23, 2016
    10
    I am many years listener of this group , and with every release bar is getting higher . Magma is lighter but not without climate predecessors.I am many years listener of this group , and with every release bar is getting higher . Magma is lighter but not without climate predecessors. In addition to Gojira is only one band in the world who can match them , this is the Mastodon . Which also evolves in an interesting direction.… Expand
  4. alexg1210
    Jun 18, 2016
    10
    This album is amazing to say the least. Really has a great emotional feel to every song. It is a different album for sure than some of theirThis album is amazing to say the least. Really has a great emotional feel to every song. It is a different album for sure than some of their other releases but it has a lot of great qualities to it.… Expand
  5. Bairei
    Jun 17, 2016
    10
    After four long years and death of Joe's and Mario's mother, the band tried to take an another approach on the more progressive than groovyAfter four long years and death of Joe's and Mario's mother, the band tried to take an another approach on the more progressive than groovy style, and there's no denial that you will either love it, or absolutely loathe their latest record.
    However, if you have nothing against Gojira's more experimental sounds (take "Born in Winter" off their previous album "L'Enfant Sauvage" as an example), this album is a must-own, as it has barely any weak moments (assuming that you are not a pure "only technical-death metal" fanatic, in that case only about half of the album might be any decent for your listening pleasure), astonishingly great clean vocals mixed with some of their signature riff-age make "Magma" an another great experience, just like any other Gojira's previous releases.    … Expand
  6. Zicus
    Jun 17, 2016
    9
    The groove of Pantera. Intelligent and intense songwriting. Lyrics talking about Mother Nature and personal turmoil. Simple, no-nonsenseThe groove of Pantera. Intelligent and intense songwriting. Lyrics talking about Mother Nature and personal turmoil. Simple, no-nonsense muscularity to the riffs. Added experimentation with clean vocals and chants and some other musical elements. A great gateway album for non-metalheads and a delight for the hardcore alike.… Expand
  7. Senfbrot
    Jun 17, 2016
    9
    This album is for me one of the best metal records i listened to in the recent years. You really can feel the passion Gojira has put into this album .
  8. potatokappa
    Jun 26, 2016
    9
    The French Metall-ers strike again this time with magma,Its the first album by them which features clean vocals. But them not doing thoseThe French Metall-ers strike again this time with magma,Its the first album by them which features clean vocals. But them not doing those growls you'd expect from a death metal band does'nt really make this album not brutal, THIS ALBUM IS HEAVY AND ITS BRUTAL IN ITS OWN WAY also this album is pretty catchy in its own right, this album woud slowly grow on you until the Album consumes you whole, a great album over all.
    A must listen for metalheads    … Expand

See all 8 User Reviews

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