Two years almost to the day since Lost On The Road To Eternity was released and Brummie melodic rockers Magnum are back once more. Album 21 sees the band continue their exploration of the rockier side of melodic. Eleven new songs, all written and produced by guitarist Tony Clarkin and with new bassist Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Unisonic) plucking the strings. Clarkin has maintained his strong run of solid songs, with the opening Where Are You Eden? kicking things off with a neat bit of 80s keyboards. In fact, much of the album is dominated by Rick Benton’s solid ivory work but Clarkin has allowed himself ample opportunity to kick back and throw down the off riff and snarling solo. Their sound is as distinctive as always, the combination of thick synthesisers and sharp-edged guitar, solid rhythm section and of course, the tones of Bob Catley whose performance continues to belie his advancing years.
As well as the dreamy magical themes that Magnum rely on, there is also socio-critical comment, such as Madman Or Messiah, which deals with the threats of self-proclaimed saviours and the impact of those in power on the earth. Inevitably it’s the story telling that allows Magnum to really flex their pomp, with the imperious title-track standing tall, Clarkin referring to it as a “creepy fairy tale”. It’s not all fabulous, and as is usually the case, there are a few weaker songs squirreled away. Not Forgiven, the first single from the album isn’t particularly strong, The Last One On Earth relies heavily on the previous album’s title track and House Of Kings with its pseudo brass and lounge room style breakdown struggles despite the unique change in pace and style. However, overall, Clarkin, at the age of 73 has written another album which will stand alongside recent works in the ‘decent’ file. I don’t view it as being as strong as Sacred Heart, “Divine” Lies but it certainly is a decent listen. Magnum tour the UK in March. 7/10
Rage: Wings Of Rage (Steamhammer) [Matt Bladen]
Bassist/vocalist Peavy Wagner continues to lead the band he formed into their third major version after splitting with guitarist Victor Smolski. Wings Of Rage is their third record in this iteration and it's packed full of the heavy Teutonic power metal Rage bring to the table, almost as if they are trying to wipe out that second line up they have powered out three albums in quick succession as well as a Refuge album that features the classic Refuge Rage line up. This is Rage's 22nd record (!) in total (as Rage) and yet it's as fresh as their first, the snarling vocals and songwriting prowess of Wagner proves to be the main weapon to the band's longevity. He writes songs with catchy choruses that invite you to sing along with them. Rage at the moment are a lean mean trio Wagner has retained the skills of guitarist Marcos Rodriguez and drummer Vassilios “Lucky” Maniatopoulos and once again he's showing his knack of working with the most talented people for this band. They've also been put to good use here, as out of the three records with this line up Wings Of Rage is definitely the best. True opens proceedings with some galloping German power metal, Chasing The Twilight Zone bring some thrashier riffs as does the title track, more rampaging power metal comes on Tomorrow and they have a powerful ballad with Shine A Light. Wings Of Rage is classic Rage at their high flying best, with Peavy Wagner at the helm they will always be able to capitalise on their longevity. 7/10
Mystic Prophecy: Metal Division (Rock Of Angels Records)
More German (well German/Greek) heavy metal this time from Mystic Prophecy who have always had a much more American style to their sound, the band are notable as being one of the early bands of Firewind founder and ex-Ozzy guitarist Gus G. It's nastier, more muscular and full of grunt opposed to the faster more melodic style of many of their peers, owing more to Iced Earth, that doesn't mean that they don't have melody, it's just not as light as other. Much of their is due to their erstwhile frontman R.D Liapakis who's voice has carried this band since their formation in 2000 along with long time rhythm guitarist Markus Pohl, who's riffs drive tracks like Together We Fall locking in with Hanno Kerstan (drums) and Joey Roxx (bass). Metal Division is their 10th album of original material following on from their covers record in 2018 and their biggest selling album War Brigade, so with that in mind how does Metal Division stand up, well it's got fist pumping anthems like Hail To The King, the dramatic Die With The Hammer, the thundering, gothic Curse Of The Slayer and heavier tracks like swaggering Dracula (a man who is in high demand at the moment) all of which show the explosive lead guitar playing of Evan K who works his fret magic over these tracks shredding like a demon before exploding into solos. If brawny heavy metal does it for you then you'll have to pick up Metal Division and while you're at it go back and discover the rest of Mystic Prophecy's discography as a lot of heavy metal history lies in their near 20 year history! 7/10
Gary Moore: Live From London (Provogue Records) [Manus Hopkins]
A legendary artist being dead for nearly a decade won’t stop “new” music from being released under his name anymore. Often this comes in the form of classic album reissues, greatest hits compilations, and previously unreleased music that went unreleased for a reason. A live recording of Gary Moore’s special one-off 2009 gig in London is a welcome change in this trend. Live From London is a fine example of what any live album should aim to be. Audio-wise, it sounds quite good; it’s well-mixed and the band sounds stellar. It’s obvious to a listener that this would have been an excellent gig to see live. The best part is that this doesn’t seem like it was released just to cash in on Moore’s death. It likely would have come out a long time ago if that was the case. But had it come out shortly after it was recorded, and had Moore been alive to see its release, this album would go down just as well. 8/10
Rage: Wings Of Rage (Steamhammer) [Matt Bladen]
Bassist/vocalist Peavy Wagner continues to lead the band he formed into their third major version after splitting with guitarist Victor Smolski. Wings Of Rage is their third record in this iteration and it's packed full of the heavy Teutonic power metal Rage bring to the table, almost as if they are trying to wipe out that second line up they have powered out three albums in quick succession as well as a Refuge album that features the classic Refuge Rage line up. This is Rage's 22nd record (!) in total (as Rage) and yet it's as fresh as their first, the snarling vocals and songwriting prowess of Wagner proves to be the main weapon to the band's longevity. He writes songs with catchy choruses that invite you to sing along with them. Rage at the moment are a lean mean trio Wagner has retained the skills of guitarist Marcos Rodriguez and drummer Vassilios “Lucky” Maniatopoulos and once again he's showing his knack of working with the most talented people for this band. They've also been put to good use here, as out of the three records with this line up Wings Of Rage is definitely the best. True opens proceedings with some galloping German power metal, Chasing The Twilight Zone bring some thrashier riffs as does the title track, more rampaging power metal comes on Tomorrow and they have a powerful ballad with Shine A Light. Wings Of Rage is classic Rage at their high flying best, with Peavy Wagner at the helm they will always be able to capitalise on their longevity. 7/10
Mystic Prophecy: Metal Division (Rock Of Angels Records)
More German (well German/Greek) heavy metal this time from Mystic Prophecy who have always had a much more American style to their sound, the band are notable as being one of the early bands of Firewind founder and ex-Ozzy guitarist Gus G. It's nastier, more muscular and full of grunt opposed to the faster more melodic style of many of their peers, owing more to Iced Earth, that doesn't mean that they don't have melody, it's just not as light as other. Much of their is due to their erstwhile frontman R.D Liapakis who's voice has carried this band since their formation in 2000 along with long time rhythm guitarist Markus Pohl, who's riffs drive tracks like Together We Fall locking in with Hanno Kerstan (drums) and Joey Roxx (bass). Metal Division is their 10th album of original material following on from their covers record in 2018 and their biggest selling album War Brigade, so with that in mind how does Metal Division stand up, well it's got fist pumping anthems like Hail To The King, the dramatic Die With The Hammer, the thundering, gothic Curse Of The Slayer and heavier tracks like swaggering Dracula (a man who is in high demand at the moment) all of which show the explosive lead guitar playing of Evan K who works his fret magic over these tracks shredding like a demon before exploding into solos. If brawny heavy metal does it for you then you'll have to pick up Metal Division and while you're at it go back and discover the rest of Mystic Prophecy's discography as a lot of heavy metal history lies in their near 20 year history! 7/10
Gary Moore: Live From London (Provogue Records) [Manus Hopkins]
A legendary artist being dead for nearly a decade won’t stop “new” music from being released under his name anymore. Often this comes in the form of classic album reissues, greatest hits compilations, and previously unreleased music that went unreleased for a reason. A live recording of Gary Moore’s special one-off 2009 gig in London is a welcome change in this trend. Live From London is a fine example of what any live album should aim to be. Audio-wise, it sounds quite good; it’s well-mixed and the band sounds stellar. It’s obvious to a listener that this would have been an excellent gig to see live. The best part is that this doesn’t seem like it was released just to cash in on Moore’s death. It likely would have come out a long time ago if that was the case. But had it come out shortly after it was recorded, and had Moore been alive to see its release, this album would go down just as well. 8/10
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