Rather good, but not outstanding in any way
L. B. Ivarsson | Rock City | 09/29/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I heard people claim that the release of Bob Catley's "When empires burn" was very comparable to the albums Magnum recorded in their prime - like "On a storyteller's night", "Vigilante" and "Wings of heaven". Well, in a way that might be true because songs like "Children of the circle" and "I'll be your fool" sounds like typical and classic Magnum. But over all, I'm sorry to say that this album doesn't thrill me the way I was hoping for. Yes, there's melody and Catley is indeed a good singer, but it all sounds more or less dated. And I don't really like the production because it's too much keyboard AND guitar at the same time which gives you a feeling that it's (in lack of better words) too much music/instruments - you know, sometimes less is more!Most of the songs are alright or rather good, but not outstanding in any way. I find myself pressing the button for next song just after a minute or two. Maybe this album is the kind that takes a lot of repeated listening to grow - I don't know and maybe I'll never know since there's plenty of other albums I rather play. But what I know is that "When empires burn" is much better than the latest Magnum album titled "Breath of life". And if you're a dedicated Magnum fan, I don't believe you'll be that disappointed in this effort from Bob Catley."
Monster Dungeons and Dragons Metal Album
ThrEaD NUGENT | Newport Beach, CA United States | 07/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this!! Heavy, melodic, beautiful.....Catley wanted to make a heavy metal album...well he nailed it.....Children of the Circle alone is worth it...great production, warm but slick...not at all like the hideous processed productions that plagues all those cheesy symphonic dungeon opera metal cds coming out of Scandanavia...Every Magnum fan should have this....."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1