Album Review: Gojira - Magma

Gojira's sizeable reputation is such that the French prog-metallers seem almost beyond reproach or criticism in many quarters.

Journalists are already falling all over themselves locating adequate superlatives with which to lavish praise here. The hysteria is largely warranted, though. Song lengths are somewhat reined in and although harsh vocals still resonate, a tastefully executed, greater focus on clean singing occurs within the heavily syncopated attack. Riffs more scathing than the review of a new Adam Sandler flick (Stranded) mesh with ambient flourishes, which on the likes of the effects-infused title track take increasingly intriguing detours. Meanwhile, Pray's monstrous grooves retain visceral appeal.