Magnum The Monster Roars
- Classic Rock |
- Hard Rock |
- Metal |
- Prog Rock |
- Rock
Release Date: January 14, 2022
Label: Steamhammer
It’s a sign of definite quality when a band can look back at a career which started as early as 1972 (!) and are still capable of thoroughly awing their fans with every new album. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Magnum continue to deliver this kind of quality on a regular basis.
The Monster Roars kicks off with a real bang: opening with the title track, Magnum make it unmistakably clear that the group’s current line-up consisting of Bob Catley (vocals), Tony Clarkin (guitar), Rick Benton (keyboards), Dennis Ward (bass) and Lee Morris (drums) is bursting with enthusiasm. Especially the signing of American bassist Dennis Ward (ex-Pink Cream 69, Unisonic, Place Vendome) has proved to be an absolute stroke of luck. “Unfortunately, we haven`t been able to play live with Dennis yet as all concerts had to be cancelled or postponed due to the lockdown. But we’ve already rehearsed intensively with him and were delighted to discover that he not only plays a first-rate bass but also provides fantastic backing vocals,” explains Tony Clarkin and adds: “Dennis has catapulted the band to another level in a number of ways. We`re looking forward to our first live shows with him and are certain that our fans will be as excited about Dennis as we are.”
The title track, however, is only the prelude to a recording that features solid rock numbers such as "Remember," "The Present Not The Past," "The Day After The Night Before" and "That Freedom Word" as well as atmospheric ballad track "Walk The Silent Hours" and midtempo "Can’t Buy Yourself Heaven," with the anthemic "All You Believe In" bringing to mind Queen, and "No Steppin’ Stones" sparkling with an amazing brass section. Magnum’s lyrics are also (almost) all about the present, as song titles such as "Your Blood Is Violence," "Come Holy Men" or "Can`t Buy Yourself Heaven" prove. Clarkin: “This album is more about social subjects, including political issues.” No doubt about it: The Monster Roars is a well-tempered mixture of typical Magnum trademarks, contemporary influences and trailblazing approaches which are guaranteed to win the band lots of new fans.
The new album by the symphonic rock legends includes 12 brand new songs and come is a high class CD digipak as well as a 2LP gatefold vinyl version in red.