Metal maniacs, rejoice! I’m proud to present to you:
MAGNUM; signed via
SPV Records, hailing from England - performing Rock, on their 20th album entitled: “
Lost On The Road To Eternity” (
released 19th January 2018).
Since formation in 1972; the quintet in question have 19 albums behind them, I’m introduced to their 20th album entitled: “
Lost On The Road To Eternity”. 11 tracks ranging at around 65:24 –
MAGNUM arrange a solid slab of concrete developments of old-school heavy-hitting Rock distinctions, the quartet compose intricately designed instrumentation and musicianship that’s executed proficiently. “
Peaches And Cream” begins the record; delivering an organic aesthetic of diversity and a fluid formula of distinguishable substances, the band profusely provide a robust array of rhythmic melodies and elegantly enjoyable orchestrations that are utmost captivating.
Consisting of
Tony Clarkin on guitar; the man consistently supplies complex dexterity in the song “
Show Me Your Hand”, showcasing an efficient amount of exquisite riffs and solos that have a groovy efficaciousness to it. With the melodious amalgamation of keyboardist attributions from
Rick Benton, “
Storm Baby” demonstrates these with prominent diligence as they bring an atmospheric adroitness to it that are admirably graceful. Vocalist
Bob Catley has a grandiose manifestation of high-pitched, clean singing in the titular track and “
Without Love” - distributing a polished flair of concisely trained skill that has a hint of rough juxtapositions to it which give it a nice, strong edge for good measure.
Powerhouse bassist
Al Barrow contributes a hammering stability in his efforts in the song “
Tell Me What You’ve Got To Say”, there is a lot catchy relentlessness here that has a motivating drive which is very entertaining.
Harry James has similar characteristics as he pulverizes his set with pummeling force, “
Ya Gonna Be Someone” constructively variates the songwriting & sound production equalities that shine with unique grit & salubriousness. “
Forbidden Masquerade” balances the aforementioned with bouncy & thumpy enlightenments; there is a slight psychedelic implementation, fused with synthetic elements in every song that rapidly swift with a fulfilling experience.
“
Glory To Ashes” excels with anthemic delights which has a singsong effect, and memorably creative craftmanship - having me hooked at the sheer quality of this record. Overall concluding with “
King Of The World”; I am compelled to say that for my first
MAGNUM record that I have listened to, it exceeded all original expectations and they earned a new fan with this one. Bottom line, “
Lost On The Road To Eternity” may well be a contender for 2018’s Rock album of the year - we still have a long way to go though, listen at your own discretion.
Songwriting: 8
Memorability: 8
Originality: 8
Sound Production: 9