And for this first column in 2022, it is the indefatigable Englishmen of 'Magnum' who are releasing a new album 'The Monster Roars' less than a year 'The Serpent Rings'. Casually, here we are, 2022 is the year of 50 years of activity of the group and they continue again and again to offer us good hard rock taking us back to the 70s / 80s and this last baby is their 22nd studio recording. The writing of 'Tony Clarkin' is as incomparable as ever and we immediately recognize the 'Magnum' touch in all these compositions that we listen to with immense pleasure, and which immediately put a delighted smile on our faces. Admittedly, the style has softened a little but makes the whole even more original and varied and we find direct and catchy titles like 'Remember' or 'The Day After The Night Before' or even 'The Present Not The Past', 'That Freedom Word' and 'Come Holy Men' which alternate calm verses and more energetic choruses. And, when the tempo is more moderate, we are conquered by very effective melodic jewels: the powerful opening track 'The Monsters Roars', the addictive' All You Believe In 'and' I Won't Let You attest. Down '(see video above) which give an irresistible desire to accompany the choruses or even 'Your Blood is Violence' and its marked rhythm with an original final acceleration, without forgetting at the end of the album, the two magnificent ballads 'Walk The Silent Hours' and 'Can't Buy Yourself Heaven'. We can also mention the magnificent 'No Steppin' Stones' (see the video here) which is for me the supreme hit of the album with its brilliant brass and a performance radiant vocals of 'Bob Catley' that send us crazy energy.
In short, the years go by and the Englishmen of 'Magnum' are still there and continue to deliver beautiful timeless melodies that are a great pleasure to listen to, which should please all the fans, but which should also make people happy far beyond, because everything is done to spend a very good time in the company of this very endearing band... | |
