I try not to start every Magnum review talking about the past because let’s face it we all know so much about albums like ‘Storytellers’ and the great landmarks of the 80’s but the truth is it’s hard not to reference a band’s glorious past even decades later. The truth is of course that Magnum’s output this millennium has always been quality, and if not hitting the highs of almost 40 years ago they constantly fail spectacularly to sound like “old men just going through the motions” like any of their contemporaries!
The press release is surprisingly accurate this time: “Even after difficult months marked by pandemic-related concert cancellations, contact restrictions and uncertain perspectives for the whole music industry, the English rock act have succeeded in creating a vibrant, homogeneous work that impresses its listeners from the first to the last note and includes a number of surprises.” It’s the surprises that we’ll touch on later…
We open as you might expect with a ‘roar’ and like on previous albums the opening salvos are enough to let you know that the unique sound of Magnum is back. ‘Remember’ that follows is one of a number of Hard Rockers (probably half the album are straight ahead rockers) that will please fans if not exactly upping the bar, though in all honesty Magnum’s bar has always been set rather higher than most. All the songs too are similar in construction – the majority clocking in around the 5 minute mark and whilst some might find that rather unadventurous I know others will find it rather pleasing!
If you like to Rock out I’d single out ‘The Present Not The Past’, ‘The Day After The Night Before’ and ‘That Freedom Word’ as hitting the spot rather nicely. But this is an album where the real wonder comes from when Clarkin strays from the formula.
And of course Magnum has always excelled at the slower numbers and ‘Walk The Silent Hours’ is wonderfully orchestrated and right up there with their best of recent times. Bob is sounding so very good too here and throughout. Elsewhere there’s the very interesting ‘No Steppin’ Stones’ sat innocently mid-album with its real Magnum ethos yet it’s a song shot through and bolstered by horns! Yes horns! And it just sounds so right! I have to say that I need more of this! (is that enough !!!! ?)
Another two of my standouts on a very satisfying album are the mid-tempo closer ‘Can’t Buy Yourself Heaven’ which rounds things out in real style and the piano-led anthem ‘All You Believe In’ which brings to mind former glories with it’s wonderful melodies. It’s one of my favourite Magnum tracks this side of the millennium.
There’s some wonderful lyrics as always from Tony, but here you can really feel the passion as he tackles the politics. ‘The Monster Roars’ does what you’d expect on the tin, but I’d wager this time Tony has created the perfect storm for Magnum fans – I’ve loved the last few in the main, but this one I’ve fallen for completely.
8.5 / 10
One of the annoying things about reviewing is that you rarely get to hear the bonus tracks on new releases so can’t let readers know if it’s worth shelling out a few more dollars for a deluxe edition. You’d have thought that the labels would have realised by now that a great review and a nod towards the bonus tracks would bring in a few more purchases but no I have no idea if the new version of ‘Days Of No Trust’ is worth shelling out for the boxset or indeed if the other two rather seriously vintage tracks – the remastered version of ‘Sweets For My Sweet’, their very first single from 1975, or the previously unreleased track from the same era are worth checking out or not… you can buy a limited edition Box Set with them in though if you like.
Tracklisting: 01. The Monster Roars 3:57 | 02. Remember 5:05 | 03. All You Believe In 5:01 | 04. I Won’t Let You Down 3:57 | 05. The Present Not The Past 5:27 | 06. No Steppin’ Stones 3:57 | 07. That Freedom Word 4:52 | 08. Your Blood Is Violence 6:44 | 09. Walk The Silent Hours 4:51 | 10. The Day After The Night Before 4:23 | 11. Come Holy Men 5:01 | 12. Can’t Buy Yourself Heaven 5:00
Line-Up: Tony Clarkin – Guitar | Bob Catley – Vocals | Rick Benton – Keyboards | Dennis Ward – Bass | Lee Morris – Drums