Tigran Hamasyan - Manifeste (2026)
I get what Manifeste is aiming for, and I respect the scale of it — the ritual framing, the political and spiritual weight, the way everything is meant to feel urgent and declarative. But as a listening experience, it often feels overdetermined. There’s a lot of intent in every bar, a lot of density in the writing, and not always enough space for the music to breathe or surprise me. I’m impressed more often than I’m moved. It’s ambitious, serious, and impeccably played, but the constant intensity flattens its long-term impact.
Pros
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Strong compositional ambition – Big ideas, complex forms, and a clear conceptual spine throughout.
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Rhythmic and technical authority – The playing is airtight; odd meters and layered grooves are handled with total control.
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Distinct cultural identity – Armenian folk and choral elements give the album a voice that isn’t generic fusion.
Cons
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Emotional saturation – Almost everything arrives at “maximum importance,” which reduces contrast and payoff.
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Limited replay pull – Dense and serious enough that I need to commit time and focus every time I return.
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Concept-first feel – At times the manifesto outweighs the music; ideas lead, songs follow.
Genre: Prog Jazz
Country: Armenia
Final Verdict: 66% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 30th / 117
Highlight: Seven Sorrows
Made me think of:
Avishai Cohen Trio
GoGo Penguin
Shai Maestro
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