Magnum – Live At The Symphony Hall, Birmingham 2018 (SPV 2CD)
Birmingham rock legends Magnum follow on from their wonderful 2018 studio album Lost On The Road To Eternity with this live set, that also cements the current line-up.
Formed in the early 70s, the band have been labelled many things, including NWoBHM and progressive, neither of which is close to the mark or does the band justice. Pomp and majestic would be more accurate. With some classic albums in the late 70s and early 80s (On A Story Teller’s Night the big breakthrough) the band have continued to put out some consistent solid albums ever since, a break in the 90s aside.
A few line-up changes aside, things had been pretty stable, before pianist Mark Stanway left and formed Kingdom Of Madness, but that last studio set proved that incoming keyboard player Rick Benton and drummer Lee Morris could more than hold their own.
A wonderful 2CD, in a lavish digipak (there’s also a 3LP, but at £48 I’ll not be the only one to pass), and the music is just as magnificent. And judging by the setlist, it looks like the band have taken on board previous criticisms of over reliance on older tracks (or indeed one album, you know which one), opening with When We Were Younger, from 2016’s Princess Alice opus. Eight minutes of solid joy. The band have power, range, and while at times there’s a touch of hoarseness to Bob Catley’s vocals, his voice still sounds amazing and better than many.
With several tracks from this millennium’s albums, the setlist is brave and bold, for it is easy to rely on the old material (and too many do). The power, passion and pomp as well as guitarist Tony Clarkin’s song writing are all there. And the orchestral occasional arrangements add a lot too. Clarkin is a much better guitarist than ever given credit for, the solo in the extended How Far Jerusalem (which runs to over 10 minutes) shows that. A magical live experience. Swirling keyboards aplenty, and a solid rhythm section, they all leave you with the image of Catley weaving spells as he sings. And there’s also a guest spot for Avantasia’s Tonia Sammet (on whose previous album Catley had guested).
Disc two sees a move back to older but equally classic material. Vigilante is a standout, one that has the crowd singing. Stormer and stomper in one. The 12 minute Don’t Wake The Lion is a welcome track, and fan favourite The Spirit goes down well.
The arrangements and production are big, the music is solid, and the vocals are pretty strong throughout, the odd strain here and there, but the crowd love every moment. And rightfully so. 8.8/10
Joe Geesin
Line-up
Tony Clarkin – guitar
Bob Catley – vocals
Al Barrow – bass guitar
Rick Benton – keyboards
Lee Morris – drums
Tobias Sammet – guest vocals
Disc: 1
1. When We Were Younger
2. Sacred Blood/Divine Lies
3. Lost On the Road to Eternity
4. Crazy Old Mothers
5. Without Love
6. Your Dreams Won’t Die
7. Peaches and Cream
8. How Far Jerusalem
Disc: 2
1. Les Morts Dansant
2. Show Me Your Hands
3. All England’s Eyes
4. Vigilante
5. Don’t Wake the Lion (Too Old to Die Young)
6. The Spirit
7. When the World Comes Dow