So here I am in the USA, where the album doesn't get released until Oct. 2. Of
course that meant I pre-ordered from Europe (Switzerland, to be precise) and it
appears that I have it stuffed into my grubby little ears before some of you in
the UK do!

First impressions are generally positive. Firstly, A couple of absolutely
monster tracks (Dance Of The Black Tattoo, and See How They Fall) on which Magnum sound like it's 1978
all over again! Bloody wonderful, in other words. Next, with the aching, tragic
Putting Things In Place, Tony has taken The Last Dance, crossed it with
Different Worlds, and somehow come up with what is undoubtedly one of Magnum's
finest songs ever.

Shadow Town is fantastic. Didn't Like You Anyway & So Let It Rain are close behind if not
level pegging. I haven't gelled with the title track yet, but I think I soon
will. Next we have From Within & All The Dreamers, which I think will also turn
out to be growers (from very good to excellent). Finally, Broken Promises and
Blood Red Laughter definitely need more listens to decide.

To my ears, there are elements here from almost every era of Magnum. With the
KOM throwbacks, WOH flashes, post-reunion PAATBA/ITVOTMK nods, and some
Vigilante stomp. There is also a hint of Rock Art in some songs, which I can
personally do without. What I DON'T hear is anything that immediately reminds me
of OASTN. But that's OK! This is Magnum - loud, proud and firmly in the current
century - whatever that is.

SOME of the production sounds to my ears to be the best Tony has ever done. Some
of the rest is still stuck in the swamp. But overall I think he has made great
progress with this album - more of the songs and arrangements have SPACE,
something that the Magnum sound has to have in order to be really successful.
Don't try and fill every available second with sound!!

Harry is sounding better in the Magnum mix than previously. There is some
sublime keyboard work as always - and it sounds crisp rather than muffled for a
change. If I was to be a spoilsport, I would have to say that a few more clear,
extended guitar solos would be luvverly!

Finally - Uncle Bob. There are moments on this album that are already in my top
5 of 'oh crap an old male rock vocalist has made me cry' moments. He needs to
stop DOING that! Seriously, what a voice. Yes, it does sound like he has to
strain a bit more than he used to in order to find the sweet spot, but with
songs like many on this album - that effect only ADDS to the quality, rather
than detracts.

In summary: When's the next album coming out lads? Come on already!

A very early judgement of 92%.