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. Line-up / Musicians Pierrick Lebras/guitar,keyboards,vocals Michel Munier/bass Philippe Bersan/vocals,keyboards,percussion Alain Evrard/percussion,keyboards Patrick Renard/drums Discography Archaia 1977
1.Soleil Noir 2.L'Arche Des Mutations 3.Sur Les Traces Du Vieux Roy 4.La Roue 5.Le Festin Du Lion Vert 6.Massa Confusa 7.Le Grand Secret 8.Vol Du Phenix
Aigues Vives - Water of Seasons 1981Named for a French town whose name in turn refers to "prosperous fountain/source", Aigues Vives was formed in 1971 in the part of Germany close to the…Read More
Albatros - Garden Of Eden 1978ALBATROS only had one album, in which they were invited into a studio to record. The 3 songs written had to be shortened to fit an LP format. However,…Read More
Arcadium - Breathe Awhile 1969ARCADIUM were a late 60's psychedelic band fronted by songwriter, 12-string guitarist and lead vocalist Miguel Sergides. Arcadium's 'Breathe Awh…Read More
Ainigma - Diluvium 1973This German band was active during 1972 to 1974, and they released only one album. Their sound was rough and trashy, and they did lots of jamming in t…Read More
