Customer Reviews

Kingdom of Madness

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Magnum's debut album from 1978 immediately established these guys as the kings of progressive hard rock. Combining an accessible (almost AOR) hard rock style with progressive shadings of classical guitar, flute and keyboard pomp, this album is a total winner in spite of throwaway track "Baby Rock Me". The chugging guitar of Tony Clarkin and the strong, emotive voice of Bob Catley provide plenty of hooks. The songs are largely centred on mythical fantasy themes. Highlights inlude "Kingdom of Madness", "Invasion", "All That Is Real", "Lords of Chaos", "The Bringer". This was the first Magnum album I ever heard and it remains one of their very best. If groups like Styx, Rush, Kansas, Shooting Star or Angel float your boat, you should definitely check these guys out. One of the best marriages of stadium rock and progressive music you are likely to hear. Full of energy, enthusiasm, fantasy and adrenalin.

Originally released in 1978, Kingdom of Madness was the debut album from legendary British pomp rockers Magnum. The band, which merged elements of prog, pomp and AOR for a totally unique sound, was still developing their signature sound on this release.

I can only imagine what it must have been like to hear this album in 1978, while the UK punk scene was in full sway. This bombastic, larger than life, fantasy-based album must have seemed like it was from another planet (no doubt one painted by Roger Dean or Rodney Matthews). Early on, Magnum had elements of Styx, Kansas, Queen and even Jethro Tull, which made for a captivating mix. Epic rock songs like "Kingdom of Madness" and "In the Beginning" were balanced by upbeat rockers like "Baby Rock Me" and "All Come Together," for an album that was original and unpredictable. You get glimpses of the more epic albums guitarist Tony Clarkin would go on to write, and Bob Catley's unique voice hints at the majesty that is to come.

It's not as essential as the classic `80s albums On a Storyteller's Night and Eleventh Hour, but Kingdom of Madness is still a classic debut, and one that all Magnum fans should own. Fans of classic rock, prog and AOR should also check this one out.

Edition Notes: Castle reissued Kingdom of Madness in 2005. This definitive version features digitally remastered sound and a second disc full of rare tracks, including demos, alternate versions and outtakes from the Kingdom of Madness sessions. The reissue also features expanded liner notes (including an interview with Tony Clarkin) and a slipcase. It's a very well put-together reissue that makes an already essential album that much better.