I started off my last CD review (TEN “Stormwarning”) with the old adage of good things come to those who wait because it was five years since their last record. For the review of the new MAGNUM disc, “The Visitation”, I will use another old adage…

THINGS GET BETTER WITH AGE! And to add to that I will say WOW, WOW, WOW, they DEFINITELY do!

“The Visitation” is the latest release in a long line of albums dating back to 1978 for this British act. In my book, the band has some true classics in their catalog but “The Visitation” may well jump right to the top of the pack!

For a band whose music could be described as progressive or even “art rock” with their earlier works to a more AOR-ish sound with their 80’s output and then onto a combination of the two sounds for their more recent offerings, the band has put it all together and then some with this new release.

The album starts off with “Black Skies” and you get smacked with an edgy, progressive riff from Tony Clarkin before the songs twists and turns its way through epic valleys and classy arrangements. Bob Catley’s voice never seems to age as he still sounds great after all these years. The following track, “Doors To Nowhere” turns it up a notch further yet and I have to say the keys of Mark Stanway are done to perfection here. Clarkin’s guitars are all over this track too and he doesn’t disappoint.

The title-track, “The Visitation” is another winner with its pounding nature one minute and its gentle piano moments the next. The track again sores high and we haven’t even reached the best of the record yet in my opinion!

The melodic “Wild Angels” is glorious as the song has a great chorus and well-crafted sound. Speaking of well-crafted… “The Visitation” is produced to perfection and you can just hear the attention to detail that was given to this record every step of the way. “Spin Like A Wheel” is a mid-paced epic melodic rocker and the seven minute plus track flies by without a thought of it being that long. You really can get lost in these songs as they command your attention in picking up every little nuance the record has to offer.

“The Last Frontier” is a true journey with a mellow vibe and true “British feel”. Again you get a great arrangement and a heartfelt vocal from CATELY. The orchestration on the song put it into epic territory and sends it over the top for me and makes it one of my favorites on the record. WOW!

“Freedom Day” brings more epic sounds with a progressive feel and near-perfect presentation of the “light and dark” musical approach; one minute you have tender piano and the next a powerful chorus hitting your senses head-on! If “Freedom Day” is not epic enough for you then take a listen to “Mother Nature’s Final Dance”. The song builds and builds to an EPIC ending that is truly outstanding and leaves you wanting more.

The crunchy guitar sound on “Midnight Kings” is front and foremost as are the impressive vocals from Catley. The song has a modern flair and groove to it that makes for a satisfying ride.

Closing out “The Visitation” is “Tonight’s The Night”. The song has a bit of a BEATLES-esque vibe mixed with the classic MAGNUM sound and it brings the album to a more than fitting end. If you’re a fan of the band then you will surely be pleased with “The Visitation” but if you are not familiar with MAGNUM’s legacy then do yourself a favor and look into this record. It may very well take you on a journey that’ll leave you breathless. That’s what it did with me!