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"In turn powerful, nuanced, inhabited and sensitive, this opus allows us to listen to first-class melodic hard rock."
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5/5
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Four decades after its entry into the arena, Magnum is still there, Bob Catley the emblematic frontman at its head and Tony Clarkin its faithful companion guitarist and composer emeritus at its side. If the release of "Lost On The Road To Eternity" two years ago had seen the departure of Mark Stanway, the (almost) original keyboard man, "The Serpent Rings" marks the departure of Al Barrow, the bass player who has been with the band for almost twenty years, replaced by Dennis Ward, runaway from Pink Cream 69. The trilogy "Escape From The Shadow Garden", "SacredBlood Divine Lies" and "Lost On The Road To Eternity" trilogy, which had seen the return of Rodney Matthews to the artworks, were a great success. What about this new album with a cover that is once again abundant and colourful?
The answer is in the question. This twenty-first effort is bursting with admirable ideas and deploys rainbow-pigmented melodies. "The Serpent Rings" is certainly one of the most beautiful English releases to date. In turn powerful, nuanced, inhabited and sensitive, this opus allows us to listen to first-class melodic hard rock.
'Where Are You Eden' is a symphonic cataclysm orchestrated with mastery. Featuring a keyboard theme in the band's finest tradition, a classy melody and a majestic solo, its mid-point riff is reminiscent of the break on the eponymous track from the band's debut album, a four-decade-old "Kingdom Of Madness".
The rest of the album will not diminish in intensity thanks to sumptuous melodies and Dantesque solos, notably on 'Madman Or Messiah', 'The Archway Of Tears' and the eponymous title track. Thanks also to the presence of breathtaking breaks, all in sensitivity as on 'Not Forgiven', or in jazzy format on a multicoloured 'House Of Kings' where King Crimson and his brass are not far away. The progressive and enchanting atmospheres are legion and Magnum knows how to tell stories and bring them to life. Bob Catley's voice may not be as good as it was at the beginning, but it's still a devil's voice. Thus, at 73 years of age, the man is still the iconic guide of the band.
Our favourite English dinosaurs have once again spoiled us. Like Santa Claus - late on this one, but we won't hold it against him - Magnum is giving us a very nice present with this new musical gem. What a piece of work, what a band! - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Where Are You Eden? 02. You Can't Run Faster Than Bullets 03. Madman or Messiah 04. The Archway of Tears 05. Not Forgiven 06. The Serpent Rings 07. House of Kings 08. The Great Unknown 09. Man 10. The Last One on Earth 11. Crimson on the White Sand
LINEUP:
Bob Catley: Chant Dennis Ward: Basse Lee Morris: Batterie Rick Benton: Claviers Tony Clarkin: Guitares
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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(7) COMMENT(S)
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Je reste sur mon avis d'il y a trois ans (et ci-dessous) que leur reprocher un manque de personnalité est une hérésie.
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Après une petite écoute, il me semble qu'ils sont probablement victime de leur cohésion, chacun à sa place et on va dans le même sens dans l'interprétation.... Je comprends que cela puisse plaire et qu'ils puissent aussi perdurer
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C'est peut-être pas le meilleur album de Magnum, mais c'est difficile, de choisir ;-) j'ai eu un doute à première écoute et sans doute beaucoup ci -dessous sont restés là dessus ;-) mais après qq écoutes, c'est purement jouissif, et plusieurs morceaux me donnent des frissons, "Madman Of Messiah", "Crimson .." etc.. Dire que c'est daté, ça veut dire quoi? Hendricx est daté, Pink Floyd aussi, U2 aussi , on est sur un "genre " de son époque, on aime ou pas bien sûr, mais en accord avec la chro de Lynott
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Sur l'impact de la nostalgie, je suis en phase avec l'idée avancée.
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Nous avons tous le droit de ne pas aimer une œuvre. Bien entendu. C'est d'autant plus compréhensible quand l'obédience de celle-ci est fort éloignée du goût du thé dans notre tasse préférée. Mais dire que Magnum n'a pas de personnalité est tout bonnement une hérésie.
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READERS
4.2/5 (6 view(s))
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STAFF:
3.3/5 (6 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH MAGNUM
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT MAGNUM
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