Four decades after its entry into the arena, Magnum is still there, Bob Catley the emblematic frontman at its head and Tony Clarkin its faithful companion guitarist and composer emeritus at its side. If the release of "Lost On The Road To Eternity" two years ago had seen the departure of Mark Stanway, the (almost) original keyboard man, "The Serpent Rings" marks the departure of Al Barrow, the bass player who has been with the band for almost twenty years, replaced by Dennis Ward, runaway from Pink Cream 69. The trilogy "Escape From The Shadow Garden", "SacredBlood Divine Lies" and "Lost On The Road To Eternity" trilogy, which had seen the return of Rodney Matthews to the artworks, were a great success. What about this new album with a cover that is once again abundant and colourful?
The answer is in the question. This twenty-first effort is bursting with admirable ideas and deploys rainbow-pigmented melodies. "The Serpent Rings" is certainly one of the most beautiful English releases to date. In turn powerful, nuanced, inhabited and sensitive, this opus allows us to listen to first-class melodic hard rock.
'Where Are You Eden' is a symphonic cataclysm orchestrated with mastery. Featuring a keyboard theme in the band's finest tradition, a classy melody and a majestic solo, its mid-point riff is reminiscent of the break on the eponymous track from the band's debut album, a four-decade-old "Kingdom Of Madness".
The rest of the album will not diminish in intensity thanks to sumptuous melodies and Dantesque solos, notably on 'Madman Or Messiah', 'The Archway Of Tears' and the eponymous title track. Thanks also to the presence of breathtaking breaks, all in sensitivity as on 'Not Forgiven', or in jazzy format on a multicoloured 'House Of Kings' where King Crimson and his brass are not far away. The progressive and enchanting atmospheres are legion and Magnum knows how to tell stories and bring them to life. Bob Catley's voice may not be as good as it was at the beginning, but it's still a devil's voice. Thus, at 73 years of age, the man is still the iconic guide of the band.
Our favourite English dinosaurs have once again spoiled us. Like Santa Claus - late on this one, but we won't hold it against him - Magnum is giving us a very nice present with this new musical gem. What a piece of work, what a band!