Customer Reviews

Eleventh Hour

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

How do you even begin to describe an album like Magnum's 1983 release The Eleventh Hour? It's hard enough just trying to explain just what Magnum's sound is all about. The term "pomp rock" is close, but does it really do Magnum, which has elements of so many classic rock bands from Deep Purple and Rainbow to Uriah Heep and Genesis, justice?

However you classify them, Magnum is one of the finest classic rock bands around, and they were in top form on the Eleventh Hour, an album that blended pomp and art rock with strong pop sensibilities. It was equal parts Uriah Heep, Styx, and REO Speedwagon, as odd as that sounds. If you're into any (or all) of those bands, you'll probably understand. The songs are dramatic and bombastic, but are highly melodic as well. They're undeniably rock songs, but also have a strong pop flavor to them.

I'd recommend this album to just about anyone who enjoys classic rock. Magnum is a tragically overlooked band, and once you hear them, you're hooked. The Eleventh Hour is probably the perfect album to start with, as it really represents what Magnum was all about. There isn't a weak moment on the entire album, and if I were to name the best all-time Magnum songs, at least two-thirds of the songs on The Eleventh Hour would make the list.

NOTE: Castle/Sanctuary reissued The Eleventh Hour in 1999 and gave it a much needed digital remastering.

NOTE 2: Castle/Sanctuary reissued The Eleventh Hour yet again in 2005, this time adding a hefty helping of bonus material. It's not a 2-disc collection like the listing states, but there are enough bonus tracks to fill an extra disc, including an orchestral version of "The Word", an outtake of "True Fine Love", BBC performances of "The Prize", "Breakdown", "Vicious Companions", and "Road To Paradise", plus acoustic versions of "The Prize" and "One Night of Passion". These are some very interesting bonus tracks (especially the acoustic songs), and if you haven't yet picked up a copy of The Eleventh Hour, this is the best version available.

Eleventh Hour is definately one of the best Magnum albums. This is symphonic metal at its absolute best, and Magnum's second best after Chase the Dragon. Magnum albums previous to these two might sound a little dated and the later ones could maybe be called a touch commercial, but Eleventh Hour and Chase the Dragon is top of the line. An absolute must for all hard rock and metal fans.

This is Magnum's fifth album(Marauder Live included)and the last to feature the unique Kex Gorin on drums. It's also the last album in the "old" Magnum style ( read non-commercial and with lots of breaks and bridges). The songs are all masterpieces, but guitarist Tony Clarkin tried to produce the album and didn't pay much attention to the drum-sound. That's why I give it four stars.

When You try to explain some one about symphonic and melodic metal but not loud, not even hard, You just have to start with these guys. It's a shame that Clarkin had been lossing the touch with the time but at least He left 3 masterpieces "Kingdome of madness", "Chase the dragon" and this one ( no order ). Always strong, with the perfect singer for this music ( who else but Catley ), all metal fans should try this work.