Birmingham hard rock legends Magnum have returned after their successful 2007 studio album, ‘Princess Alice And The Broken Arrow’ with the release of another impressive studio album, ‘Into The Valley Of The Moonking’
Birmingham hard rock legends Magnum have returned after their successful 2007 studio album, ‘Princess Alice And The Broken Arrow’ with the release of another impressive studio album, ‘Into The Valley Of The Moonking’. Released in the UK on 15th June 2009, the album features classic Magnum with some experimentation. For example, near title track ‘Moon King’ sees guitarist Tony Clarkin get out his blues guitar, proving that Magnum can excel in various rock genres!
The first track, aptly named ‘Intro’ starts eerily with just the sound of the wind, slowly building up to a graceful, mysterious string melody which sets the tone for the rest of the album perfectly. Moving seamlessly into second track, ‘Cry To Yourself’, the album becomes more up-beat, introducing the listener to Magnum’s traditional sound. The listener will feel like this album is taking them on a journey, such is the diversity of not just the sound, but the lyrics of these songs; from feel-good tracks such as ‘All My Bridges’ to heavy, meaty songs such as penultimate track ‘Feels Like Treason’ as well as sorrowful ballads such as ‘No One Knows His Name’ and ‘A Face In The Crowd’, with its outstanding piano accompaniment.
Magnum close the album beautifully with ‘Blood On Your Barbed Wire Thorns’: the track is up-beat but the closing effect of the singing guitar solo building into a string-led melody, dying down to a lonely piano brought a tear to my eye; absolutely mesmerising!
‘Into The Valley Of The Moonking’ is a diverse album of intricate, good old-fashioned melodic hard rock with something extra thrown into the mix; something that gives the songs a unique, magical ambience that separates Magnum from other similar genre acts. Original members Bob Catley and Tony Clarkin are outstanding on this album: Catley’s gritty yet sensitive vocals sound great and should dispel any rumours that he’s over the hill, whilst Clarkin’s experimental guitar melodies will make this album memorable with old and new fans alike!
‘Into The Valley Of The Moonking’ is available in three different versions: as a regular jewel case CD, as a top-quality digipak consisting of CD and bonus DVD, and for collectors, in a vinyl format featuring two LPs and a fold-out cover.
Magnum will be embarking on a world tour to promote the album, with 13 UK dates during October and November 2009. Further information is available on their website: www.magnumonline.co.uk