One of my all time favourite bands, british Magnum, with their 1st album which was recorded already in 1976 but released in 1978 by Jet Records. At the time they were compared to Styx, Jethro Tull, Yes and Kansas who also played melodic rock and hard rock but with a definitive progressive twist with strong songs and choruses. Before the album was released Magnum had toured with for example Judas Priest. The album reached nr. 58 on the british charts.

The band started as a house band at the Rum Runner night club in Birmingham. (Later to hold Duran Duran as their house band). Joining Tony Clarkin and Bob Catley were Kex Gorin on drums and Bob Doyle on bass. Doyle was replaced by Dave Morgan in 1972. (Later to be a member of ELO). Colin "Wally" Lowe bacame Magnum's 3rd bassist in 1975 and the band was expanded by Richard Bailey on keyboards. After the album was released they toured as opening act to Whitesnake.

I like this album very much, it may feel a bit amateurish here and there but, hey this is an debut album! It has a raw  production and the songs are as good as on any following Magnum-album. Maybe the song Invasion could be better but overall this is a good album to play whenever!

Drummer Kex Goring died of cancer in 2007.

1)In the beginning (8,0) Charming, somewhat amateurish progressive hardrock with nice melodies and changes. Really good second part of the song.

2)Baby rock me (7,0) A straight rocker.

3)Universe (7,5) Barclay James Harvest-like calmer song with nice melodic choruses.

4)Kingdom of madness (7,5) Good rocker containing flute.

5)All that is real (7,5) A calmer part and then progressive rock. Very good singing.

6)The bringer (8,0) Great riff!

7)Invasion (6,0) Too badly recorded.

8)Lords of chaos (7,0) These songs promise for more and better music to come.

9)All come togheter (7,5) Simply a good hardrocker!

Score: 7,33

Bob Catley-vocals (b.1947)

Tony Clarkin (Anthony Michael Clarkin) -guitars (b.1946)

Colin  Lowe-bass

Kex Gorin-drums (1949-2007)

Richard Bailey-keyboards and flute

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