Magnum are back!
Michael D. Matney | Troy, IL United States | 03/15/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ok, let me state right away that if you are expecting Wings of Heaven Part II you will be disappointed. This album fits squarely in the Sleepwalking/Rock Art/1st Hard Rain in style, with a modern edge. It takes a few spins to really sink in. It has lots of classic Magnum moments, but sounds fresh and new to me. The two tracks everyone has heard so far are a good indication of how this album sounds. A lot of songs on here are going to sound fantastic live!
The performances on the album are top notch. Some really nice guitar work from Tony on this album. Mark Stanway sounds as great as ever. Al Barrow does an outstanding job on bass. Bob's vocals are as wonderful as ever. As for the burning question on everyone's mind, I am talking about the drums here, they sound fine to me. I think some of it is most likely computer generated, but I would have to say that a live drummer was used on here also. Maybe a mix of the two? Doesn't matter to me because the sound and mix are very good. Why Tony isn't in demand as a producer is beyond me...Lyrically, typical Tony Clarkin, enough said!
Bottom line: Magnum are back!!! This isn't the Magnum from 1987 but I wasn't expecting that. But it is definitely Magnum. Great album and hopefully lots more to come."
A welcome comeback from a classic band
Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 04/29/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After an extended hiatus, Magnum returned in 2002 with Breath of Life, their first studio album since 1994's Rock Art. I wish I could say that this is a triumphant return to the epic days of The Eleventh Hour and On a Storyteller's Night, but that's just not the case here. Instead, Breath of Life sounds exactly like what it is - a tentative first step back into a vastly different musical climate from a band that has grown a little older and a little wiser.
Breath of Life is less grandiose and epic this time around, but their unique blend of progressive, melodic and pomp rock is still very much in place. Stylistically, I'd liken Breath of Life to later releases by Marillion and Asia. It rocks at times, but for the most part it's a laid back, gloriously melodic album that showcases guitarist Tony Clarkin's considerable songwriting skills and Bob Catley's dramatic and ethereal vocals. It's a very solid album overall, though I can't help but miss the more epic material.
Ultimately, I think Breath of Life is a success both in proving worthy of Magnum's legacy and reestablishing Magnum's sound for the new millennium.
"
A solid effort
Arne Jansen | Vestskogen, Vestfold Norway | 04/11/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you're into bands like Asia, Toto and Marillion, this album should be just the right stuff for you. Good hooks, solid songwriting and crisp clear production. But for all it's modern production techniques, Magnum are still stuck in the past and the songs sound a little dated compared to the current music trends. It's kind of a retro trip to the 80's, but with better sound quality. It's a must have for Magnum fans, and a should have for Asia, Toto and Marillion fans."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1