Hard Rock/Prog Review: Magnum-The Serpent Rings

Release Date: January 17, 2020

Label:  Steamhammer

Website

UK-based rock veterans, Magnum, are back with their 20th studio album, The Serpent Rings. Founders and driving forces, Tony Clarkin (guitars) and Bob Catley (vocals), have forged a unique melodic hard rock sound and have worked hard to evolve that sound. They’ve released studio albums every two to three years since 1979, each album borrowing from and building on the prior. Keyboardist Rick Benton joined the band in 2017, and together with a new bass player, Dennis Ward joining Lee Morris on drums, the rhythm section and the group as a whole seems invigorated. 

The sound is rich and textured with hard rock, art-rock, and prog-rock undertones. Think of Traffic meeting Queen, meeting Metallica. Magnum steers the listener in and out of these atmospheres flawlessly, creating a dramatic and cinematic sonic experience. While the landscape is rich, the driving force is the guitar work of Tony Clarkin. Fear no more the demise of the almighty guitar solo. You’ll find one on almost every track. Clarkin appears to pause to take a breath before launching into his solos. This provides a dramatic calm before the storm, and once it hits, it sounds like an army crashing through the forest on their way to storming the castle. 

Of equal importance is the attention to lyrical depth. If you listen as much to the lyrics as you do to the music, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the wisdom conveyed in these songs. The galloping opening track “Where Are You Eden?” is no exception. “A picture hangs. It’s always been there to celebrate the news. Though people talk, they don’t understand. It only serves to confuse.” 

“Not Forgiven,” chosen as the first single and lyric video, is a powerful and captivating rock song. It is somewhat formulaic, however, and there are better, more envelope-pushing tracks on the album.  

“Madman or Messiah” breaks that envelope open with inspired guitar flourishes and haunting atmospheric keyboards. Other standouts include “You Can’t Run Faster Than Bullets,” and “The Serpent Rings.” 

These are carefully crafted songs that don’t merely shout a mantra but tell stories, leaving the listener to use their imagination and relate those stories to their own lives. On The Serpent Rings, Magnum continues its consistent and impressive run of high-quality, distinctive hard rock. 

Tom Endyke - MuzikMan.net Staff

January 16, 2019

REVIEWS PROVIDED BY:

The Final on Vinyl

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write a Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate the Tracks

Tracks:
01. Where Are You Eden
02. You Can’t Run Faster Than Bullets
03. Madman Or Messiah
04. The Archway Of Tears
05. Not Forgiven
06. The Serpent Rings
07. House of Kings
08. The Great Unknown
09. Man
10. The Last One On Earth
11. Crimson On The White Sand
 

Share this review:

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest

Hard Rock/Prog Review: Magnum-The Serpent Rings

Release Date: January 17, 2020

Label:  Steamhammer

Website

UK-based rock veterans, Magnum, are back with their 20th studio album, The Serpent Rings. Founders and driving forces, Tony Clarkin (guitars) and Bob Catley (vocals), have forged a unique melodic hard rock sound and have worked hard to evolve that sound. They’ve released studio albums every two to three years since 1979, each album borrowing from and building on the prior. Keyboardist Rick Benton joined the band in 2017, and together with a new bass player, Dennis Ward joining Lee Morris on drums, the rhythm section and the group as a whole seems invigorated. 

The sound is rich and textured with hard rock, art-rock, and prog-rock undertones. Think of Traffic meeting Queen, meeting Metallica. Magnum steers the listener in and out of these atmospheres flawlessly, creating a dramatic and cinematic sonic experience. While the landscape is rich, the driving force is the guitar work of Tony Clarkin. Fear no more the demise of the almighty guitar solo. You’ll find one on almost every track. Clarkin appears to pause to take a breath before launching into his solos. This provides a dramatic calm before the storm, and once it hits, it sounds like an army crashing through the forest on their way to storming the castle. 

Of equal importance is the attention to lyrical depth. If you listen as much to the lyrics as you do to the music, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the wisdom conveyed in these songs. The galloping opening track “Where Are You Eden?” is no exception. “A picture hangs. It’s always been there to celebrate the news. Though people talk, they don’t understand. It only serves to confuse.” 

“Not Forgiven,” chosen as the first single and lyric video, is a powerful and captivating rock song. It is somewhat formulaic, however, and there are better, more envelope-pushing tracks on the album.  

“Madman or Messiah” breaks that envelope open with inspired guitar flourishes and haunting atmospheric keyboards. Other standouts include “You Can’t Run Faster Than Bullets,” and “The Serpent Rings.” 

These are carefully crafted songs that don’t merely shout a mantra but tell stories, leaving the listener to use their imagination and relate those stories to their own lives. On The Serpent Rings, Magnum continues its consistent and impressive run of high-quality, distinctive hard rock. 

Tom Endyke - MuzikMan.net Staff

January 16, 2019

REVIEWS PROVIDED BY:

The Final on Vinyl

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write a Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate the Tracks

Tracks:
01. Where Are You Eden
02. You Can’t Run Faster Than Bullets
03. Madman Or Messiah
04. The Archway Of Tears
05. Not Forgiven
06. The Serpent Rings
07. House of Kings
08. The Great Unknown
09. Man
10. The Last One On Earth
11. Crimson On The White Sand
 

Share this review:

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest

Hard Rock/Prog Review: Magnum-The Serpent Rings

Release Date: January 17, 2020

Label:  Steamhammer

Website

UK-based rock veterans, Magnum, are back with their 20th studio album, The Serpent Rings. Founders and driving forces, Tony Clarkin (guitars) and Bob Catley (vocals), have forged a unique melodic hard rock sound and have worked hard to evolve that sound. They’ve released studio albums every two to three years since 1979, each album borrowing from and building on the prior. Keyboardist Rick Benton joined the band in 2017, and together with a new bass player, Dennis Ward joining Lee Morris on drums, the rhythm section and the group as a whole seems invigorated. 

The sound is rich and textured with hard rock, art-rock, and prog-rock undertones. Think of Traffic meeting Queen, meeting Metallica. Magnum steers the listener in and out of these atmospheres flawlessly, creating a dramatic and cinematic sonic experience. While the landscape is rich, the driving force is the guitar work of Tony Clarkin. Fear no more the demise of the almighty guitar solo. You’ll find one on almost every track. Clarkin appears to pause to take a breath before launching into his solos. This provides a dramatic calm before the storm, and once it hits, it sounds like an army crashing through the forest on their way to storming the castle. 

Of equal importance is the attention to lyrical depth. If you listen as much to the lyrics as you do to the music, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the wisdom conveyed in these songs. The galloping opening track “Where Are You Eden?” is no exception. “A picture hangs. It’s always been there to celebrate the news. Though people talk, they don’t understand. It only serves to confuse.” 

“Not Forgiven,” chosen as the first single and lyric video, is a powerful and captivating rock song. It is somewhat formulaic, however, and there are better, more envelope-pushing tracks on the album.  

“Madman or Messiah” breaks that envelope open with inspired guitar flourishes and haunting atmospheric keyboards. Other standouts include “You Can’t Run Faster Than Bullets,” and “The Serpent Rings.” 

These are carefully crafted songs that don’t merely shout a mantra but tell stories, leaving the listener to use their imagination and relate those stories to their own lives. On The Serpent Rings, Magnum continues its consistent and impressive run of high-quality, distinctive hard rock. 

Tom Endyke - MuzikMan.net Staff

January 16, 2019

REVIEWS PROVIDED BY:

The Final on Vinyl

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write a Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate the Tracks

Tracks:
01. Where Are You Eden
02. You Can’t Run Faster Than Bullets
03. Madman Or Messiah
04. The Archway Of Tears
05. Not Forgiven
06. The Serpent Rings
07. House of Kings
08. The Great Unknown
09. Man
10. The Last One On Earth
11. Crimson On The White Sand
 

Share this review:

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest

Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Review: Quayde LaHue-Love Out of Darkness

Release Date: November 8, 2019

Label: Adult Fantasy Records

Website

If you're looking for a record that speaks to the current struggles of society, look no further than Quayde LaHue’s Love Out of Darkness. 

Love Out of Darkness is an awesome record that focuses on themes of love, oppression, darkness, and the never-ending quest to feel part of something. 

Quayde’s lineup boat members from numerous metal and hardcore bands, most notably, Christian Mistress. While Quayde’s sound differs from Christian Mistress, their sound as a whole echo that of the new wave of British heavy metal movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s. 

The first song on the album, “Give Me Your Love,” sets the tone for the ensuing album with loud power chords, complex structures, and an all-around sense of hard rock in its truest form. The song’s lyrics mirror the instrumental track of the song. Jenna Fitton, the lead vocalist, sings earnestly and honestly about the confusion that surrounds falling in love. She asks, “Is it worth a shot? Because you think she’s hot? Then why the hell not and I can tell he likes what he sees. It’s worth a shot.” The lyrics invite the listener into the world of Fitton, one that is confused at the process of courtship. 

The rest of the album follows suit, as all the songs provide a raw sense of rock with vibes of heavy metal. On “Warrior,” Fitton belts, “I am a warrior” as the rhythm guitar provides a consistent grungy sound. The following track, “Before the Storm” continues the sound of the late 80s and early 90s grunge, reminiscent of Alice In Chains. 

For someone who is not in tune with the sounds of hard rock, heavy metal, and/or grunge, Love Out of Darkness may be a difficult album to listen to or even understand, but the beauty of Love Out of Darkness is that it is an incredibly accessible album. The lyrics are extremely relatable and the instrumental track mirrors the confusion surrounding our society right now. It’s almost as if the lyrics and the instruments are in a constant battle to properly convey the themes of love and darkness that are the backbone of this great record. 

Key Tracks Include: “Give Me Your Love”, “Warrior”, “Before The Storm”, and “Widowmaker.”

Guillermo M. Berrizbeitia

October 10, 2019

Reviews Provided By:

The Final on Vinyl

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Tracks: 
1. Give Me Your Love
2. Man In The Purple Robe
3. Heart Of Stone
4. Warrior
5. Before The Storm
6. Widowmaker
7. Fallout
8. It Still Burns
9. Right To Rock
 

Share this review:

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest

Hard Rock Review: War Gods of the Deep-Action Space Battle

Release Date: September 17, 2019

Label: Astro Dragon Records

Website

One look at the comic book-themed cover art for Action Space Battle and you know you're in for an adventure. The action is unrelenting, and the space battle takes place in the consciousness of the listener. War Gods of the Deep guide you through this journey, warning you of the dangers ahead and steering you safely toward the “Horizon.”

Action Space Battle propels the listener through a sonic galaxy diving and ducking in and out of hard rock and metal atmospheres. Take away the obligatory metal backbone of thunderous galloping staccato drums and bass, and you'll find layers of musicality – rhythm, vocal harmonies, and smart hooks. 

The juxtaposition of the best of the 80s & 90s metal such as Metallica and Danzig with the best of the 70s art-rock such as Styx & Boston makes for a captivating and satisfying ride. The orchestral closing of the opener "Transmission" convinced me that War Gods of the Deep would defy any label affixed to them. 

Concocting such a blend is not without risk and Action Space Battle at times, repeats the tired clichés of both genres. Echo overuse, narrative interludes, drum power-fills, trite rhyming and vocals dipping into "demon-mode." Despite the clichés, the message is positive. Through perseverance, faith, and determination, the hero inside of us all will rise and defeat our demons. "Life Coach" is an anthem for our time and brings to mind what Andrew W.K. might do with more musicianship. 

So, buckle up. Action Space Battle will hurtle you into unknown realms and bring you back feeling like you just slaughtered a space serpent and saved the universe.

Key Tracks Include: “Transmission”, “Life Coach”, “Burn the Misery”, “Horizon”.

Tom Endyke-Contributor

September 17, 2019

Tracks:
01. Transmission
02. Sons of the Serpent
03. Life Coach
04. Beautiful Oblivion
05. The Machine
06. Done
07. Light of your Soul
08. Burn the Misery
09. One of Us
10. Horizon

Reviews Provided By:

The Final on Vinyl

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Share this review:

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest

Metal/Hard Rock LP Review: Mount Atlas-Self-Titled (Ltd. Edition Red Vinyl-50 Copies)

Release Date: June 27, 2018

Label: H42 Records

Website

Mount Atlas hails from Germany which is the home of their label H42 Records. This is their debut and is it ever a good one!

I was fortunate to receive 1 of 50 copies of this self-titled red vinyl. This is some bone-crunching hard rock, metal, stoner rock that will get the blood pumping. Check out the colorful artwork on the cover, very cool. That element gives the package an artistic flair that some releases just don’t have. I really appreciate it.

Right from the start of side A, this band comes at you loud and proud with the petal to the metal on “Titan.” This curtain opener sets the tone of what you are in store for until the record stops spinning.

The cool thing about the H42 Records label is that they offer several different configurations of the release and an opportunity to pre-order product (which has come and gone). All kinds of colors are offered up which includes the following:

Red Vinyl Edition (lim. 50 copies)

White Vinyl Edition (lim. 50 copies)

Green Vinyl Edition (lim. 100 copies)

Black Vinyl Edition

Die Hard White Cover Art Edition with white label vinyl + CD (lim. 20 copies)

This is what you can expect on regular basis with releases so each unit is an instant collector’s item.  All of this is just the icing on the cake for a solid debut album. Mount Atlas can rock and their lead singer Hendrik Kurre has the right vocal style to complete their sound. His hard-edged pipes have a timbre that suits each track just fine. These are skilled musicians with really good chops that will continue to develop with the passing of time, I have no doubt.

Also included is a live bonus track titled “Burn, Witches!” This is a nice addition to get a glimpse of what the band can sound like in a live setting.

There are a few instances where they bring out a softer side showing how they can switch it up when they choose. I expect great things in the future from Mount Atlas and once you hear this killer debut I am sure you will agree.

I look forward to a great partnership with the label and to bring you all more of these musical treats.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

June 27, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By MuzikMan’s Reviews and News

Tracks:
 
Side A:
Titan
Go For A Ride
Down
Atlas
Through The Fire

Side B:
The Hunter
Loss
Bonus Track:
Burn, Witches!-Live In Rottenburg

Share this review:

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest

Alternative / Hard Rock Review: Foo Fighters-Saint Cecilia

Release Date: November 23, 2015

Label: RCA

Website

Taking their name from the mysterious aerial sighting during WWII, Foo Fighters formed in Seattle in 1994, following the break-up Nirvana.  David Grohl (vocals, guitar, drums) was joined by Pat Smear (guitar) and Nate Mendel (bass), with Taylor Hawkins (drums, percussions) and Chris Shiflett (guitar) rounding out the rest of the band.  More than twenty years and eight albums later, they are still going strong.  This is no more evidence than on their latest release, Saint Cecilia. Named after the patron saint of musicians and dedicated to the victims of the Paris terrorists attacks, Saint Cecilia is one extended play that will calm your fears about the state of modern music.

“Saint Cecilia” is a breezy rock song with a down-to-earth sound that is nothing short of a bona fide hit.  It has a great groove and is almost too infectious for its own good, but comes out on the right side of things.  With the type of lyrics that appear to be speaking directly to each listener, “Saint Cecilia” is one memorable and fantastic song that will stay in your head long after the final note ends.  “Sean” is short, punk-inspired song that does not fail to delight.  Its compactness works in its favor and will have you pressing the repeat button for another taste. 

With plenty of punk rock flavor, “Savior Breath” comes out rocking and rolling with a fast and gritty sound.  It is a short, intense song that never lets up. “Savior Breath” sounds like it came out decades ago, but with the timeless quality that makes it a good song regardless of its release date.  After the three minute riot that was “Savior Breath,” “Iron Rooster” shows up to slow things down.  This change of pace is a calm, mediating song.  Though I like the lyrics, I think the song feels like it goes on for too long.  Sending things off in style is the “The Neverending Sigh,” with its towering sound riding a wave of thunder to the end. 

Saint Cecilia by Foo Fighters is nice addition to their discography.  It is something that their fans will eat up and want second helpings from, while being a good introduction to their music for people new to the band.  If you are into alt rock or hard rock, then I think that it is a good bet to take a chance on Saint Cecilia.  It is one EP that packs more in it than some full length albums. 

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Saint Cecilia, Savior Breath

Tracks:
1. Saint Cecilia
2. Sean
3. Savior Breath
4. Iron Rooster
5. The Neverending Sigh
 

Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff

January 23, 2016

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Share this review:

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest

Hard Rock Review: Lynch Mob-Rebel

Release Date: August 21, 2015

Label: Frontiers

Website

If you are not familiar with the hard rock band Lynch Mob, then it is time to get yourself acquainted. Formed in 1989 from the ashes of 80s metal band Dokken, Lynch Mob, after a few break-ups and numerous line-up changes, currently consists of George Lynch (guitar), Oni Logan (vocal), Jimmy D’Anda (drums), and Sean McNabb (bass). Rebel is their seventh album that show them to be in top form. The album features eleven songs of ripping and roaring hard rock that is sure to please fans and leaving wanting and waiting for more.

There is nothing like a great opener to jump start an album and “Automatic Fix” is such a song. Coming out like a lion’s roar, “Automatic Fix” is a great ode to rock music that is sure to have heads banging. Power and presence is something that makes for a great opener, and this one more than delivers. With an instrumental section that shines and soars, this song seems to have it all. The beginning of “Between Truth and A Lie” has a nice edge to it, but after that it is an average rock song. Nothing really stands out or leaves much of an impression, making for skippable filler.

Getting the album going back in the right direction, “Testify” thrills with its thundering opening. It is a slow and heavy rock song, whose methodical nature gives off an intense atmosphere. What is a rock album without a nice jolt of rage? Providing that rage is “Sanctuary,” a gritty, hard rocking tune dripping with social and political commentary, as the lyrics vent about the state of the modern world. “Pine Tree Avenue” is interesting song, with its funky groove and shifts in tempo. For many it might be one of those songs that takes a while to get into, because it has grown on me with each listen.   

Another funky rock song, “Jelly Roll” is a place where the guitar really shines. The caustic opening of “Dirty Money” fits nicely with its politically charged lyrics. Though not quite as rage-filled as “Sanctuary,” “Dirty Money” has plenty of righteous anger for its targets. Announcing its presence with a booming opening, “The Hollow Queen” is an atmospheric song with a catchy chorus that demands to be shouted out at the top of your lungs. 

“The Ledge” starts off with a slow, brooding opening that seamlessly morphs into a lighter, softer sound.  It is an emotional song that puts Logan’s vocals at center stage, where they truly steal the show here.  

“Kingdom of Slaves” is one hard-hitting rock song, with controlled and commanding musical and vocal performances. Capping the album off is “War,” a fantastic song with sweet rhythm and flow that is dominated by a stunning and unpredictable guitar solo. 

Lynch Mob’s Rebel is rock solid album. It stands as another testament to the dynamic duo of George Lynch and Oni Logan. Their chemistry is undeniable and it really shines through in their music. If you are looking for some quality hard rock, then Lynch Mob’s Rebel is just what the doctor ordered.  

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Automatic Fix, The Hollow Queen, War 

Tracks:
01.Automatic Fix
02.Between Truth and A Lie
03.Testify
04.Sanctuary
05.Pine Tree Avenue
06.Jelly Roll
07.Dirty Money
08.The Hollow Queen
09.The Ledge
10.Kingdom of Slaves
11.War

Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff

September 30, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Share this review:

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest