#15 - Top of 2018

Magnum - Lost on the Road to Eternity (Steamhammer)

It  comes as no surprise that Magnum know how to create a hit album adding more songs to their list of all time classics with their 20th (!!!) full-length album. Following their last release "Sacred Blood, "Divine" Lies", the band continues showcasing their musicianship and excitement for what they are doing. Kicking off with the amazingly catchy "Peaches and Cream" and followed up with "Show Me Your Hands", we are re-introduced to Bob Catley's uplifting vocals, great guitar riffs by Tony Clarkin and mellow keyboards by Rick Benton (replacing Mark Stanway who left the band following the release of the previous album) through two songs created for live sing-along situations. "Storm Baby" starts out with a power-ballad vibe but also has some heavier guitar riffs while "Welcome to the Cosmic Cabaret" has a more electric atmosphere and a great guitar fadeout at the end of the song. "Lost on the Road to Eternity" with its surprisingly fitting guest vocals by Tobias Sammet (of Edguy and Avantasia) is definitely among the album's highlights, with Sammet and Catley having previously collaborated in a number of Avantasia albums. If you are looking for a cheesy song with a designated sing-along section that can easily become an instant radio hit you don't have to look further than "Without Love". If you are into a more 80's aesthetic and sound "Tell Me What You've Got to Say" is your song. "Ya Wanna Be Someone" has a 60's-70's feel-good/ Deep Purple vibe,  while closer"Glory to Ashes" is a great melodic elegy with more depth in the sound and orchestration and of course the amazing vocals of Bob Catley! Magnum's secret formula has once again succeeded and the band once again release an album that has everything for everyone, young and old alike!


95/100

Below is the official lyric videos for "Lost on the Road to Eternity" and "Without Love".