The very British sounding, Magnum, have been hanging around since ’72. They started out as a progressive rock band, as this album testifies to. They were playing everywhere and anywhere for six years before they got to record this record. Kingdom Of Madness was first was released in ’78, and it wasn’t until ’82 when the British rock press started to take notice. Early reviews had singer Bob Catley being mentioned in the same breath as Freddie Mercury – so no pressure there then. They hardened up their sound with the second album, and the live album, Marauder, as they were released when NWOBHM hit and the band rode that wave for a while.
In The Beginning is really good rocking rune with that progressive edge – whereas Baby Rock Me is more of a straightforward rock tune. Universe and the title track are more what you would expect from Magnum later on in their career. Side 2 opener, All That Is Real, is a full on pop masterpiece and very reminiscent of Styx. The Bringer is another good tune and Catley’s voice is really strong. Invasion sounds a bit like an Iron Maiden gallop – before Maiden invented them. Lords of Chaos is the best song on the album, and does remind me of classic Uriah Heep. The whole thing ends with All Come Together, which again has that Heepish vibe.
Not a bad beginning to one of Britain’s best loved bands, which have always had a cult like following.
7.5/10 from The Grooveman.
