Gojira - Magma [10th Anniversary, Brown & Black Galaxy Vinyl]

Gojira brought a more melodic vocal approach to their sixth studio album, Magma, while retaining the heavy guitar riffs and shifting rhythms that define their sound. Written during a period of personal loss for brothers Joe and Mario Duplantier, the album moves between forceful metal songs and quieter passages. This 10th anniversary vinyl record edition pairs the French band's Grammy-nominated work with Brown & Black Galaxy vinyl and an included insert.

The opening track, "The Shooting Star," builds around a measured guitar pattern and Joe Duplantier's restrained singing before the heavier sections arrive. "Silvera" shifts to rapid riffing, shouted vocals and a prominent chorus, while "Stranded" pairs a repeating, pitch-bending guitar figure with one of the album's most recognizable vocal hooks. "Pray" develops from a recurring rhythm into an extended, heavier passage, and "Low Lands" moves through softer vocals toward a forceful final section.

Much of Magma was written and recorded as the Duplantier brothers dealt with their mother's illness and death. The lyrics address grief, mortality and the possibility of finding meaning after loss, particularly on "The Shooting Star" and "Low Lands." The brief instrumental "Liberation" closes the album with acoustic guitar, contrasting with the intensity of "Silvera" and "Only Pain."

• Format: Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Silvera," "Stranded," "The Shooting Star," "Pray"
• Pressing details: 10th Anniversary Edition, Brown & Black Galaxy Vinyl, Insert
• Genre/style: Progressive Metal, Groove Metal, Alternative Metal
• UPC: 075678581618

Magma marked a turning point in Gojira's catalog, introducing a stronger emphasis on memorable vocal lines while preserving the band's rhythmic complexity. The contrast between "Stranded," "Pray" and "Liberation" remains central to the album's identity.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. The Shooting Star
2. Silvera
3. The Cell
4. Stranded
5. Yellow Stone

Side B:

1. Magma
2. Pray
3. Only Pain
4. Low Lands
5. Liberation