Originally published by L.S. Media. June 12th 2009.

With the imminent release of the 15th studio album, Into the Valley of the Moon King, perennial rockers Magnum have once more showed how good they are at recording new and exciting material.

Songwriter/Guitarist/ Producer Tony Clarkin seems to have pulled out all the stops on this album making it one of the catchiest records to date. The opening intro which makes good use of Mark Stanway’s keyboards is quickly followed up by the punchy ‘Cry To Yourself’. This track already has the feel of a gig opener and I suspect will be treated with respect by Magnum’s loyal fans.

Tony Clarkin’s song writing does compliment Bob Catley’s vocals and visa versa, In fact it is impossible to think of Magnum without either one.

The album itself jogs along at a fair pace but it is when the band reach ‘Take Me to the Edge’ that it comes into its own. The guitar work is well worked and highlights Tony Clarkin’s ability as one of the top guitarists in Britain today.

The album title track is reminiscent of early Magnum success with 1985’s ‘On a Story Tellers Night’ and is none the worse for that bow to the past.

Other tracks worth exploring are ‘In My Minds Eye’ and the excellent ‘A Face in the Crowd’ all of which make use of Bob Catley’s incredible voice.

The album also seems to have benefited from the addition of Thunder drummer Harry James for his second album with Magnum, (the previous one being 2004’s Brand New Morning). Having had the advantage of playing with the boys on the last tour, Harry has proved that he is a quality stick man and even with Thunder calling it a day after this up coming tour he at least will still be very much in the public eye.

Without a shadow of doubt this is one of the finest Magnum albums to date.

Ian D. Hall