THE MAGNIFICENT – The Magnificent
- Posted on 06-11-2011
It’s very exciting to my ears to see two musicians spread their wings into another sub-genre of melodic rock/metal and have outstanding results. Norwegian singer Michael Eriksen (from progressive metal act Circus Maximus) and Finnish guitarist/keyboardist/producer Torsti Spoof (from the heavy metal band Leverage) are joining forces for this melodic rock band The Magnificent, and the five piece take in a variety of North American and European influences from the past and present to swing a series of stellar songs.
With songwriting help from members of Brother Firetribe, Leverage, and Urban Tale it’s no surprise that the majority of this material has a slick, bright positive vibration and is rich with pirate sized hooks and melodies. “Cheated By Love” could be a strong contender for melodic hard rock song of the year- an infectious keyboard and guitar interplay take place during this up tempo number while the bridge leading into the chorus from Michael has all the character of classic Joey Tempest circa “The Final Countdown” album days. The follow up “Memories” features some dual quick hitting guitar harmonies not dissimilar to early Elegy while the bulk of the arrangement carries a Steve Perry-led Journey vibe not unlike “Be Good To Yourself” from “Raised On Radio”.
“Satin & Lace” features multiple keyboard layers and a modern solo section straight out of the Sonata Arctica school, while “Bullets” hints at the classic Foreigner charging guitar motif and larger then life Eriksen vocals which prove he’s one of the best in the business. And rest assured there are a couple of killer ballads that should make the ladies swoon, of which “If It Takes All Night” has the staying power due to its shredding solo and impact building mood swings.
Let’s hope this isn’t relegated to studio side project status- as The Magnificent could rival Brother Firetribe and H.E.A.T. in the Scandinavian new melodic rock superstar movement.