Magnum – The Visitation

Releasedate: 17-01-2011; Label: SPV/Steamhammer
By: Sabine van Gameren

The British formation Magnum has been around for quite some years. Formed in 1972 the band have played to 1995 before a split up came. In 2001 they reformed again and since then some new albums have been released. In 2011 the band got ready for their next release “The Visitation”.

After many years of releasing albums, the band has of course settled with some quality, but the question is more if the band can succeed in still surprising the listeners. The band sticks with their own formula, catchiness and sing-along songs. Though the album does not open with ‘party’ songs, they seemed to hold back from that and tease around a little. The further you get on the track list you see them getting more exuberant. Though the band always stay modest with that. Seems a bit too safe, or as if a part two if this album is yet to come. A tactic to keep people interested in another release perhaps, but it seems kind of dangerous tactic. There is enough variety in the album, that gives the fans of this music enough to hold on to.
“The Visitation” is a decent release, may not satisfy all fans as some might have expected a little more from them, but is nevertheless good enough for listening it quite some times.

Line Up:
Bob Catley — Vocals
Tony Clarkin — Guitar & Vocals
Al Barrow — Bass
Jimmy Copley — Drums & Percussion
Mark Stanway — Keyboards

Tracklist: 01. Black Skies 02. Doors to Nowhere 03. The Visitation 04. Wild Angels 05. Spin Like a Wheel 06. The Last Frontier 07. Freedom Day 08. Mother Nature’s Final Dance 09. Midnight Kings 10. Tonight’s the Night

Links:
Magnum Official