Magnum
'Live In Concert'
(Wienerworld)
When Magnum released their melodic prog-rock debut album ‘Kingdom Of Madness’ in 1978 punk rock was still the dominant force musically, and socially, throughout the UK. It was a time of contrasting differences, of that there is no doubt. Magnum’s eclectic fusion of keyboards string arrangements, flutes, guitars and drums was in layered contradiction to the ferocious underclass anthems that roared from the streets around them, actively distracting the entire nation, spawning a generation of DIY creationists who busied themselves breaking down barriers with their new found liberating freedom of expression. Magnum, with their own, equally consequential music though were more than capable of holding their own among the catchy, frenetic 3 minute punk songs as a career lasting an incredible 40 years should prove.
In the years that followed Magnum contributed in sending rock music a step forward in its evolution with a number of inventive and critically significant albums like seminal masterpiece Chase The Dragon and the immaculately creative Vigilante earning them a deserved recognition throughout the UK and parts of Europe. As their popularity grew so did their touring schedule - and extensive European jaunts followed with many dates frequently gaining sold out status around the continent - most notably in Germany, UK and Sweden. In 1992 the band played a flawless, atmosphere charged gig at Birmingham Town Hall, their home turf, in front of the loyal and the clearly devoted. That evening has been captured perfectly with all its glories untouched and unspoiled on this live DVD recording. Highlights are, undoubtedly, the sterling performance of their most popular songs like Days Of No Trust, All England’s Eyes, Midnight, When The World Comes Down and On A Storytellers Night.
