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RUNAWAY TOTEM manages to successfully reach the quintessence of the art of MAGMA, and still add numerous elements inherited from Progressive rock or new musics. Chanted vocals, roaring bass, female choirs... No doubt about it, Zeuhl music strikes back ! The CD-reissue of the first album "Trimesgisto" includes two bonus tracks. On "Zed", the band uses its rich instrumentation (Keyboards, vocals, backing vocals, guitar...) to create ethereal and romantic atmospheres. Its music can be characterized by deep vocals and flamboyant backing vocals, some nearly MAGMA-like sequences, a vocal and musical paroxysm evoking VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR, some energetic KING CRIMSON rhythms, and even echoes of AREA. "Andromeda" (1999) could very well have been a new album by DEVIL DOLL or DEUS EX-MACHINA, if not for the dark side included in the music performed here. The six ambitious tracks featured on the fourth album "Tep Zepi" (2003) remind of the landmarks of the past, but also the modern Gothic school, due to the presence of atmospheres linked to the Sacred. The ambiences are often dark, full of spleen, and even satanic. The vocals strongly remind of opera music. The synthesizer layers and the organ parts also contribute to the creation of fascinating and dreamy atmospheres. "Pleroma" (2004) ends the trilogy started five years ago by "Andromeda", telling the journey of the human soul after Dead, as well as its fight against demons and the Last Judgement. Now reduced to CAHAL DE BETEL (Vocals, guitar, bass & programming) and TIPHERET (Drums, percussions & keyboards), RUNAWAY TOTEM reaches the top of its inspiration. Here is a highly recommended totem !