SACRED BLOOD DIVINE LIES

Were Magnum ever strictly speaking, a Prog band? Well, no. The influences of Queen, Yes, and Jethro Tull were self- evident as was and still is the unmitigated knack for Beatle-esque melody. This band however, always enjoyed rocking! From the debut album 'Kingdom of Madness' to their decidedly playful hard rock album 'Rock Art', Heavy Rock was the backbone to their music. So while we always get a consistent album from Magnum- and this is a strong one- We never know just which way the dynamics will tilt towards Prog or Metal.

With a handful of lighter moments to break up the bombast, this British warhorse have delivered another consistent later period release. Continuing from the progress of the previous album, songwriter Tony Clarkin has proven adroit at crafting great bridges and pre-chorus sections even if they are housed in a formula Rock structure. The songwriting overall does suffer a little with this recent bout of Prince-like prolificism because there are only so many riffs and chord progressions that can be used in a hard rock context. Having said that, the formula is shaken up a bit with different tempos and feels and there is a strong sense that this era of the band is building up some serious momentum.

Merit points here particularly at the business end of the album which features two decidedly foot-stomping numbers 'Crazy Old Mothers' and the Uriah Heep-ish 'Gypsey Queen' and one thing that you cannot accuse this band of is lacking conviction. Elsewhere 'Afraid Of The Night' captures a classic Magnum vibe from the band's early period. 'Your Dreams Won't Die' is likewise a memorable track with poignant lyrics and an uplifting melody.

Magnum do share similarities with the aforementioned trailblazers Uriah Heep in that they continue to crank out albums regardless of whether they make the charts or not. I just wish they would use more shade and colour in the arrangements like the best Prog Rock bands do but I am picky because I have been a fan for 27 years!

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