KINGDOM OF MADNESS

"Kingdom of Madness" is the debut full-length studio album by British melodic hard rock act Magnum. The album was released in 1978 by Jet Records but most of the songs were actually already recorded in 1976. As a consequence of the long wait between recording and releasing the album Magnum had time to tour the UK extensively. They even scored the opening slot for Judas Priest on their "Sin After Sin" UK tour in 1977. But as Magnum had actually existed since 1968 it´s not hard to imagine that they were a very solid live act in 1977 and therefore on high demand. Most of the songs on "Kingdom of Madness" are songs they performed in those years.

The music is melodic hard rock with a few progressive elements. Opening song "In The Beginning" is probably the best example of progressive leanings on the album, but even though the basis of the music is pretty basic melodic hard rock there are just enough surprises along the way to call this borderline progressive.

The musicianship is really great. Lots of great melodic guitars and keyboards, a tight rythm section and Bob Catley´s strong vocal performance to top it all of. A great playing band.

The album was recorded in De Lane Lea Studios in London and producer Jake Commander has created a pleasant sound for the music.

I expected nothing but got a whole lot more than that by listening to "Kingdom of Madness". Magnum is one of those bands I have known the existence of since my early teens but never really listened to as the concept of melodic hard rock/ AOR/ heavy rock normally doesn´t click with me but I must admit that this album with its additional progressive moments actually made me smile and say yeah a few times (which would be my way of showing that I´m impressed). A good debut album by Magnum well deserving a 3.5 star rating from me.