Now that's what I'm talking about!
Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 01/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a big fan of both Magnum and Bob Catley's solo career, I was surprised at just how little I enjoyed the singer's previous album, 2006's Spirit of Man. The production and songwriting on that album just didn't feel right for Catley's unique voice. At the time I remarked that I'd love to see Catley work with Ten mainman Gary Hughes again or even (and this was wishful thinking on my part) Pink Cream 69 maestro Dennis Ward. Sometimes the gods smile on us.
For his 2008 album Immortal, Catley indeed brought in Dennis Ward, who produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered the album in addition to playing bass and guitar. Not only that, but Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear, Starbreaker), who wrote such great material for Russell Allen and Jorn Lande's collaborations, was brought on board to handle songwriting for Immortal. Having Ward and Karlsson, the brightest "behind the scenes" stars in the melodic rock world together is a fan's dream.
Of all of Bob Catley's solo albums, I think Immortal comes closest to the classic Magnum sound. Magnus Karlsson's songs strike the right balance between majestic pomp rock and AOR balladry. He seems to "get" what Catley is all about, and the songs on Immortal reflect that. They're stirring, uplifting, and have that epic feel that only Bob Catley's dramatic vocals can convey. "The Searcher" and "You Are My Star" could be Magnum songs, and I hear a lot of similarities to the Allen/Lande albums, particularly on the harder hitting songs like "Haunted" and "We Are Immortal". Catley's vocals are terrific as always, Karlsson outdid himself, and Dennis Ward's production job is pristine. This really is the work of three melodic rock masters.
My only complaint with the album, and it's a minor one, is that the cover artwork makes Immortal look like a second (or third) rate power metal album, not the powerful melodic rock album it truly is.
If you're a Magnum and/or Bob Catley fan (not that I can imagine anyone liking one but not the other), Immortal is an absolute must-have album. It's a breath of fresh air after the disappointing Spirit of Man, and a welcome return to the classic Bob Catley sound. If you've never heard him before, Immortal is the perfect place to start.
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Track Listings (12) - Disc #1