Magnum: Lost On The Road To Eternity DIGI versie op 2CD in digipack editie. Deze specifieke uitgave werd uitgebracht in Duitsland bij uitgeverij Steamhammer in samenwerking met SPV op 19. januari 2018.

What exactly are the obvious criteria for a typical Magnum song? First and foremost, of course, is the charismatic voice of lead singer Bob Catley and the melodic, relentlessly driving and rocking songwriting of guitarist Tony Clarkin, two of the English band's founding members. In addition, all of Magnum's songs spread a magic that is hard to put into words, a fairy-tale atmosphere created by Clarkin's poetic lyrics and the sonic images in the minds of fans. There's no doubt: it's the interplay of several ingredients that have made Magnum one of the most charismatic English rock bands for over 40 years, and that still characterize their music today. With the new album "Lost On The Road To Eternity", released on Steamhammer/SPV, Magnum celebrate a respectable anniversary: it's their 20th (!) studio album and - we can already tell - one of their most versatile and most consistent. What explains this new creative peak? Clarkin: "Since I started writing songs before the last tour started, I was subsequently able to let the first ideas sink in a few weeks apart and realize that I was on the right track," he looks back with satisfaction. "This good feeling naturally inspired me to write more strong numbers. Otherwise, the usual Magnum formula applied: go into the studio, try out ideas on guitar or keyboards, and try to write the best Magnum song possible based on that." Strong songs with catchy melodies are found in abundance on "Lost On The Road To Eternity", whether it's the solid opener "Peaches And Cream" or the gritty rock riff driven "Storm Baby". The first single is "Without Love", which is based around a distinctive groove. Equally effective is the collaboration with Tobias Sammet on the title track, which is a sort of artistic reciprocal visit from the Edgua/Avantasia frontman as a thank you for Catley's guest appearances on some of his records. 'Lost On The Road To Eternity' is further refined by the atmospheric arrangements of the Wolf Kerschek Orchestra. The album finally ends with the bluesy guitar track "King Of The World", a worthy end to an extremely varied album. While Clarkin and Catley are of course the most important protagonists in the Magnum universe, we must not forget the other three members of the band. Especially as the current line-up features two new names - keyboardist Rick Benton and drummer Lee Morris - in addition to bassist Al Barrow, who has been part of the band since 2001. Benton joined the group in December 2016, replacing longtime member Mark Stanway, while Morris came in for Harry James just a few months ago. "Harry has two other bands at the same time, Thunder and Snakecharmer, whose schedules are becoming increasingly difficult to fit in with ours," Clarkin explains, admitting: "I have to admit I was reluctant to let him go, but after Lee drummed for us for the first time and showed that he brings even more rhythmic complexity to our songs, I'm more than happy with the rearrangement." Clarkin is similarly positive about his new keyboardist Rick Benton: "Rick has brought a breath of fresh air and interesting ideas to the band. His playing is very thoughtful and he seems to intuitively know what fits our songs. All you have to do is explain an obscure arrangement to him and he instantly delivers the perfect result." Listen to and enjoy the atmospheric middle section of "Welcome To The Cosmic Cabaret" to understand just how much Benton has contributed to Magnum. You don't have to be a prophet to realize that Magnum fans will be thrilled with "Lost On The Road To Eternity." Especially when, in addition to another great cover by Rodney Matthews, the disc is enhanced by four bonus live tracks ("Sacred Blood - Divine Lies", "Crazy Old Mothers", "Your Dreams Won't Die" and "Twelve Men Wise And Just") from their performance at the 2017 Leyendas Del Rock Festival in Alicante, Spain. Conclusion: in this form, Magnum will not be lost on the road to eternity.

Album valt binnen het genre Rock en Hard Rock. 2CD Digipack.