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Magnum are around for almost 4 decades and with The Visitation they present their 15th studio album. And nobody really expect Magnum to change drastically, so you get what you expect from Tony Clarkin, Bob Catley and their fellows. But wait, this time the songs seem to be a bit heavier, coz Clarkin's guitar is more up-front. It's been less then two years since the release of Into The Valley Of The Moon King and obviously the band had a creative boost after touring for the album in 2009...
The kick off with Black Skies, the bombastic rock song is based on heavy riffs and with a melancholy edge. Black Skies needs time to grow, it won't hook you up immediately, so give it a few spins. Doors To Nowhere is different, you will enjoy it right away. Bombastic and powerful, riff-based and with a cool guitar solo they present Doors To Nowhere - this is what Magnum fans love the band for. The title track The Visitation is a bit bulky with tempi changes and different atmospheres. A quite progressive tune, but it still has all the trademarks of the Magnum sound. Another tune which needs time to grow. Songs like Wild Angels and Spin Like A Wheel are hook-laden, especially Spin Like A Wheel will enchant you. With Freedom Day they present another powerful, heavy, guitar-driven tune, but spice it up with a slow, melancholy keyboard passage. Definitely one of the highlights of The Visitation! With Mother Nature's Final Dance they will remind us of the ongoing ecological destruction. A serious topic, but it seems that they want to courage us to fight against it, the chorus has a positive vibe and seems to light up the dark. More cheerful sounds Midnight Kings, a tune you soon will sing along to. And with the balladesque Tonight's The Night they close this chapter.
The Visitation is available as regular jewel case CD, limited edition digipak with a bonus DVD and a double gatefold LP in colored vinyl!
The Brummies show that they still know how to write good songs and that they are still full of passion and ideas. Don't miss them on tour! And let's hope for more!
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