by Alexandra Mrozowska
— Sr. Columnist —
It would have been quite a shock if a band renowned for their sound and style and considered a classic had suddenly decided to switch genres during the recording of its 20th album. And although such a move would have surely sparked a discussion among the fans of the respective group, there’s no guarantee their opinions would have been enthusiastic. With their twentieth studio release Lost On The Road To Eternity, the British ensemble Magnum don’t risk such a scenario. However, the five-piece led by the guitarist and songwriter Tony Clarkin and singer Bob Catley remains far from being stuck in a rut too and appears even strengthened by the addition of new members (the keyboard player Rick Benton and the drummer Lee Morris).
There’s always been that intangible yet recognizable aura to Magnum’s sound that differentiated them from many of its counterparts in Melodic Hard Rock genre. Lost On The Road To Eternity is no different from its predecessors in this respect. Take “Forbidden Masquerade” as an obvious example. It’s heavier, more guitar-oriented and Progressive vibe to it echoes early Magnum output whereas frequent changes of pace and sound intensity throughout the track keep the listener engaged. An atmospheric intro to the title track morphs into a Neo-classically tinted midtempo, vocals shared here by Catley and easily recognizable Tobias Sammet (Edguy, Avantasia). Also the epic and elaborate pieces of balladry, such as “Storm Baby”, “Glory To The Ashes” or especially the closing track “King Of The World”, reprise the classy style of Magnum’s musical past but are far from ripping any page out of their storybook.
Speaking of elaborate, the longest track on the album is “Welcome To The Cosmic Cabaret,” an eight-minute-long tale of disillusion and disappointment. Obviously, the aforesaid song is not the only story worth being told here as Lost On The Road To Eternity features at least a handful of them – be it an account of life’s ups and downs in the opening track “Peaches And Cream” or the brutal honesty of “Ya Wanna Be Someone”.
However, there’s also a plethora of straightforward Melodic Hard Rock sound on the album, with prominent keyboards and driving, groovy guitars. The aforementioned “Peaches And Cream” or “Tell Me What You’ve Got To Say” are clear examples of this fact alongside more AOR-oriented vibe of “Show Me Your Hands.” There’s a certain live feel to “Without Love,” a groovy song apparently was written for the purposes of handclapping and foot stomping – the impression even strengthened by powerful group chant and distant Funk-ish undertones overshadowed by slick melody.
It’s little wonder that the majority of acts immortalized in the annals of Rock ’n’ Roll history are those which rarely, if ever, wandered off the beaten track. Magnum is one of those, a group loved by their fans for sticking to the sound they have already perfected. Consequently, also the band’s 20th album won’t leave their staunch followers with their eyebrows raised. Rather than that, Lost On The Road To Eternity proves Magnum are nothing but lost, their feet still firmly planted in rich Melodic Hard Rock sound with Progressive tints. Even with the new members coming into the picture, it’s still the band you fell in love with so many years ago. Highly recommended.
Genre: Rock, Melodic Hard Rock
Band:
Tony Clarkin – guitars
Bob Catley – vocals
Rick Benton – keyboards
Al Barrow – bass
Lee Morris – drums
Tracklisting:
1. Peaches and Cream
2. Show Me Your Hands
3. Storm Baby
4. Welcome to the Cosmic Cabaret
5. Lost on the Road to Eternity
6. Without Love
7. Tell Me What You’ve Got to Say
8. Ya Wanna Be Someone
9. Forbidden Masquerade
10.Glory to Ashes
11. King of the World
Label: Steamhammer Records, SPV
Website: www.magnumonline.co.uk
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(9 / 10)
