Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Magnum
Label: SPV Records
Release: 2018
Length: 66:53
Rating: 4.5/5
Bob Catley and Tony Clarkin are dead set on the idea that it’s not time yet to retire and read bedtime fairy tales to the grandkids by a crackling fireplace. They’d still rather keep delivering their fantasy visions through new Magnum studio albums, which we’ve more or less gotten used to seeing arrive every other year. The latest one is called »Lost on the Road to Eternity«. It’s a classic Magnum album ‘from head to toe’, and unlike its predecessor »Sacred Blood Divine Lies« (2016), which sounded a little tired at times, it comes across as noticeably fresher. Long-time fans will be won over on the very first listen, especially by the tracks »Peaches and Cream«, »Welcome to the Cosmic Cabaret«, »Tell Me What You’ve Got to Say«, »King of the World« and the title-track treat. The album is stuffed with epic moments and some very welcome surprises, which means it can even be compared to some of Magnum’s classics from the eighties.
The twentieth studio album in Magnum’s history, which is, as it should be, graced with a gorgeous cover from longtime collaborator Rodney Matthews, is also their longest to date. Some of the credit surely goes to new keyboardist Rick Benton, who replaced the legendary but by now pretty worn-out Mark Stanway. Benton impresses with some really interesting symphonic arrangements. New drummer Lee Morris, who came in to replace Harry James, has also settled into the band very well. Magnum fans have long known that Catley’s vocals sound a lot better in the studio these days than at live shows, but the fact remains that he’s still one of the finest and most charismatic singers in art rock/melodic rock. And Clarkin, just when you think he must have burned through most of his good ideas, still surprises with epic guitar solos that rival the best moments of his career.
Those who miss more prog rock elements in Magnum will get their fill on »Welcome to the Cosmic Cabaret«, one of the most refreshing and innovative things Magnum have done in the past decade, with the ‘old cats’ even toying with some jazz elements, among other things. The epic title masterpiece features a duet between Catley and a special guest vocalist, Tobias Sammet (Edguy, Avantasia). Sammet thus nicely returned the favor for Catley’s guest appearances on the prog/power metal project Avantasia. The two have a lot more in common than most would expect given the age gap, since both are die-hard fans of epic fantasy sagas. And although neither of their voices is what it was in their ‘prime’, their duet, together with the majestic orchestral arrangements and a bombastic chorus, turns out great.
Among the nicest surprises on an album without a single bad moment, with its retro eighties atmosphere, is definitely »Tell Me What You’ve Got to Say«, thanks to excellent synth harmonies placed in exactly the right spots, while the chorus ranks among the album’s highlights. The closing »King of the World« is quite reminiscent in mood of some forgotten gem from »Wings of Heaven« (1988), which is about the best compliment you can pay to any recent Magnum composition.
With »Lost on the Road to Eternity« Magnum have pleasantly surprised everyone who felt that, over their colorful career, they’d ‘said everything there was to say’ and were just rehashing the remains of their former glory these days. It’s no wonder the album was met with an outstanding response soon after its release, and not just in Germany, where they’ve traditionally been most revered, but, for the first time in ages, even on home turf in Britain. All that can be said is: totally deserved.
Lineup
Bob Catley – vocals
Tony Clarkin – guitar
Al Barrow – bass guitar
Rick Benton – keyboards
Lee Morris – drums
GUEST MUSICIAN:
Tobias Sammet – guest vocals on “Lost on the Road to Eternity”
Production
Tony Clarkin
Track list
1. Peaches and Cream (4:54)
2. Show Me Your Hands (5:45)
3. Storm Baby (6:13)
4. Welcome to the Cosmic Cabaret (8:08)
5. Lost on the Road to Eternity (5:54)
6. Without Love (5:55)
7. Tell Me What You’ve Got to Say (6:27)
8. Ya Wanna Be Someone (5:56)
9. Forbidden Masquerade (5:02)
10.Glory to Ashes (5:35)
11. King of the World (7:04)
