Almost 50 years into their career, British legends Magnum return with their 21st studio album, The Serpent Rings. You read that correctly: 21st studio album. For an act this far into their career, you could forgive them for putting out an album that falls short. Magnum proves there’s no need for said forgivenesses.
The Serpent Rings kicks off with the excellent “Where Are You Eden?”. With its dramatic synths, heavy riffs, and power metal undertones, it sets the framework for the remainder of the album. Magnum has always been about creating catchy and melodic songs with a theatrical edge. “Madman or Messiah” and “The Archway of Tears” are great examples of this. They wouldn’t sound out of place on their 1985 masterpiece, On a Storyteller’s Night. These are my two favorite tracks on the album.
The only downside of this album is, as with many albums released since the advent of the CD, it’s too long. Despite the brave effort, some songs are more memorable than others. This is not to say any of these songs are bad or even mediocre. Matter of fact, they’re good songs among great songs. For example, “House of Kings” and “The Great Unknown” fail to catch my attention like the song following it, “Man”. Much like the opening track, “Man” gives us Magnum in total metal mode. It makes a fan like myself wonder what could be if Magnum released a full album in the melodic heavy metal style.
Self proclaimed “pundits” have said Bob Catley’s voice is worn and tired on this album. I beg to differ. Catley’s voice has matured naturally with age. Does he sound the same as he did on Chase the Dragon (1982)? No, but that is to be expected. He is 72 years old after all. I would much rather hear Bob Catley and Ian Gillan making the most of their current vocal abilities as opposed to the so called “vocals” on the latest Ozzy Osbourne singles; which may as well be clinics in auto-tune.
In conclusion, The Serpent Rings is a solid offering from a classic band experiencing a late career renaissance. Catley and company “Keep the nightlight burning”, even after all these years.
8 out of 10
Label: Steamhammer
Genre: AOR
For fans of: Styx, Treat, Eclipse
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