Logically, that it will not have the easy successor "Escape from the Shadow Garden" (2014). And as expected, the quality of the 11 new songs does not quite approach the over level of its predecessor. In a way, Magnum stagnate, but deliver while still good work from.
The guitars are as usual pleasantly weighty, the snare of Harry James no longer as stiff as wooden and last, but some space-filling, but a total of more value is placed on this time because great hymns on hard Kopfnicker. Everything sounds a touch soft and dreamy, but unfortunately in some places as already umpteen times (better) belongs. In addition, Al Barrow's Bass formerly grummelnder Bass is barely visible, which wrests the songs much robustness.
Only the dramatic opener "live 'til you die," still refers to the discreet metal attitude of "On the 13th Day". Noble keyboard parts, energetic strings, staccato drums, a rich reef and singer Bob Catley with the necessary punch - class home with lots of power and captivating package. Magnum as they are known in recent years.
The same can also be observed in "Unwritten Sacrifice". Generally, it is striking that this time the keyboard of Mark Stanway clearly takes center stage as the last publications. Again one of those irresistible choruses that you can not get out of your head after the first hearing. Still inconceivable that such a gifted songwriter Tony Clarkin as has never attained its rightful attention of the general public. In my view, it is in a row with the big rock composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. And even with mid-60th
With "Falling for the big plan" he is again the proof. Sure, the chorus is almost one-to-one copy of the song "On the 13th Day", still excited the number from the beginning. Dynamic melodic rock as you get it anywhere else so passionately to hear.
Up to this point everything is okay. The level of its predecessor is largely maintained, but then the first hangover. "Crying in the Rain" is beautifully designed in the Strofen that Hook would however like may be designed somewhat imaginative. The eye-affections will not be set. Nice song, nothing more.
The straighte "Too many clowns" has since been more. Polynuclear AC / DC riff and a mangy Bob Catley - no one knows as of Magnum actually. Finds himself as a music video on the accompanying DVD of the limited edition again. Certainly the hardest piece of the LP, as a reference song but not directly suitable.
Consequently, the first ballad is followed. "Midnight Angel" once again presents the unique qualities of Storyteller Catley. 80s flair through and through, even if the mid-sixties now no longer quite as voluminous sounds like once, but rather scratchy and hoarse. That he continues to have a huge brand recognition, yet flattering goes without saying. Melody dance, but I lack here really outstanding Hook. All in all a bit too strong.
Even "The Art of Compromise" may the comparison with the timeless classics band not withstand, but has nevertheless enormous charm. Satter feeling rock, where you can lose yourself literally.
"Do not fall asleep" kidnapped then again in the 80s. Amazingly, the material acts to "Escape from the Shadow Garden" often in the verses most intense. In this case, however, is also the chorus in order. Very old-fashioned opened and therefore the perfect place to reminisce. And often in front of the roaring log fire on a cold, lonely night. Exactly one wishes so from this band, so far everything is done correctly.
"Wisdom's had its day" will be a massive anthem, but not really grabs me. Too conservative and predictable. A failure is certainly something else. For pressing the Repeat button continuing the play does not lead anyway.
For the straighte "Burning River" all the more. The third real hard rock song of the LP and total their most convincing. Impulsive, energetic and enthusiastic with Solo (unfortunately one of the few really outstanding, actually a specialty of Clarkin). A remnant of the harder days. Now already one of my favorite songs ever Magnum. If I had to choose a title of this album, which particularly stands out for me, it would be this. I would have liked more of it. The remaining material is not really bad, really does not want to be carried away but in many places. Too bad.
After all, "Valley of Tears", a worthy conclusion. Again, it is above all the verses that inspire. The more often you can hear the number, the more wins but also the chorus. Another example of the perfect mélange of melancholy and exuberant joie de vivre that makes this band has always been. Both intense feelings that are often not so far apart.
The limited edition includes a bonus DVD with four live songs from the last tour. Cutting and to endure image Technically barely there alternate black and white and color photographs from, and a variety of image formats. Can you like, but you do not. However, the performance is as always great. The boys are every time anew their money value.
"Escape from the Shadow Garden" has, considering the reviews so read through, not just a little disappointed me at first listen. This is probably mainly because the ears were last spoiled excessively. Now the troupe has "only" presented a good, but not brilliant album. Strange feeling to which it has yet to get used to. The cover of Rodney Matthews is exalted as expected beyond doubt and Magnum are still an institution of melodic rock that moves grown up and stylish by the genre. Since you can forgive them a small seizure lack unpredictability loose. It would not be surprising if the next album totally knocks again. Clarkin and Catley go to the 70, but they have not said anything musically. At least one plate I want to hear from this duo and its top-notch collaborators yet. It pays guaranteed.
