Magenta's Fourth A Dark Gothic Sprawl

Originally posted on July 14, 2008

English prog rock is alive and most well. It can be heard in one of the finest bands, Magenta, who have their fourth album out this summer, Metamorphosis (Laser’s Edge). It is an expanded, dark Gothic sprawl of wonderful music. Long cuts of beautiful, well arranged songs fill the CD.

Christina Booth is a sensitive vocal instrument that gives the music a real identity. Chris Fry plays a great lead guitar. The lyrics fit the mood of the era. Nice string arrangements add symphonic resonance to the soundscape. It’s simply one of the best prog rock albums I’ve heard this year. If you like the edge of Evanescence and the classic elegance of Renaissance, here’s a band that does them one better. Grab it and you will not be disappointed.