Kingdom of Madness (Magnum album)
Encyclopedia
Kingdom of Madness is the debut studio album
by British
melodic rock band Magnum
. It was recorded in 1976, and was released in 1978 by Jet Records
.
The majority of the songs were completed and recorded in 1976, the album's release was delayed until 1978, which resulted in the album hitting the shelves just as Punk was becoming popular. Kingdom of Madness was awarded a 4 star review in Sounds
, with writer Geoff Barton suggesting the band were capable of making a strong claim for a slice of the market occupied by the likes of Styx
, Kansas
and Yes
.
The album was described as "flute-laced progressive rock sound similar to that of Jethro Tull
. The songwriting ranges from imaginative, mythical tales on "In the Beginning" and the title song, to deeply philosophical tracks like "Universe" and "All That Is Real"." The album was also noted for its imaginative lyrics, with influence from Hawkwind
member, Blue Öyster Cult
lyricist and science fiction author Michael Moorcock
, the songs "Lord Of Chaos" and "Stormbringer" directly referencing Moorcock's
Elric series.
Prior to the release, Magnum had toured the UK extensively with the likes of Judas Priest
and had built upon a solid fanbase. Many of the songs had been played in Magnum's live set since 1976, and were suitably "road tested". Many fans were familiar with the material before the album was released, this helped the album debut at a respectable #58 in the UK charts.
Because of the delayed release the tracks "Master Of Disguise", "Without Your Love", "Find the Time" and "Everybody Needs" originally intended for the album, were dropped for more up-to-date songs, such as opening track "In the Beginning". These tracks were later included on Sanctuary Records
2005 2CD Remastered and Expanded edition of the album.
Two singles were released to promote the album, "Kingdom of Madness" in July 1978 and "Invasion" in September 1978, although Magnum's debut single for CBS
, "Sweets for My Sweet" released in February 1975 was not included on the album.
The 2005 expanded version of the album was reissued on 22 September 2006 in Japan with Mini LP/Paper Sleeve packaging through Arcangelo. The album was also included in a limited edition Japanese Box Set, comprising all six of Sanctuary Records Expanded and Remastered releases with Mini LP/Paper Sleeve packaging. The set included an outer box featuring Magnum
's Chase the Dragon
artwork.
All the songs on the album were written by Tony Clarkin
.
5 — 6 taken from Magnum's rare first single Sweets For My Sweet in 1975.
7 — 10 Outtakes from the Kingdom of Madness sessions in 1976 at De Lane Lea Studios.
11 Alternate recording, recorded at Battle Studios, Hastings in 1979.
1 — 4; 7 — 11 originally appeared on Magnum's 1993 compilations Archive.
"Sea Bird," "Slipping Away," "Stormbringer" and "Captain America" (Disc 2, 1 — 4)
These four tracks where the first ever recordings of Magnum and were recorded at one or Birmingham's foremost studios "Nest" in 1974. A time whilst Magnum initially searched for a musical identity. — Tony Clarkin
These tracks originally appeared on Magnum's 1993 compilation Archive
.
"Sweets for My Sweet" and "Movin' On" (Disc 2, 5 — 6)
These tracks were taken from Magnum's rare first single in 1975 — a cover of The Searcher's "Sweets for My Sweet". "Movin' On" was Tony Clarkin's and Magnum's first original song.
"Master of Disguise," "Without Your Love," "Find the Time" and "Everybody Needs" (Disc 2, 7 — 10)
These four tracks were recorded during the Kingdom of Madness sessions in 1976 at De Lane Lea Studios
but never made the album. A different version of "Everybody Needs" was originally released as the B-Side of the "Changes
" single. — Tony Clarkin
These tracks originally appeared on Magnum's 1993 compilation Archive
.
"Kingdom of Madness" (Disc 2, 11)
We didn't actually think there could be another version of this track not already released but, here it is. Recorded at Battle Studios, Hastings in 1979. — Tony Clarkin
These tracks originally appeared on Magnum's 1993 compilation Archive
.
Kingdom of Madness 7" (July 1978)
Invasion 7" (September 1978)
, whose lead singer Tobias Sammet has collaborated with Magnum lead singer Bob Catley on his Avantasia
project.
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by British
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
melodic rock band Magnum
Magnum (band)
Magnum are a British progressive rock band from Birmingham, England. Formed as a four piece by Tony Clarkin , Bob Catley , Kex Gorin and Bob Doyle in order to appear as the resident band at The Rum Runner night club Birmingham...
. It was recorded in 1976, and was released in 1978 by Jet Records
Jet Records
Jet Records was a small British record label set up by Don Arden with artists like Electric Light Orchestra , Roy Wood, Gary Moore, Ozzy Osbourne, Riot and Magnum. The first release on the "Jet Records" label was "No Honestly", a UK top 10 for its singer and writer Lynsey De Paul in November 1974...
.
The majority of the songs were completed and recorded in 1976, the album's release was delayed until 1978, which resulted in the album hitting the shelves just as Punk was becoming popular. Kingdom of Madness was awarded a 4 star review in Sounds
Sounds (magazine)
Sounds was a long-term British music paper, published weekly from 10 October 1970 – 6 April 1991. It was produced by Spotlight Publications , which was set up by Jack Hutton and Peter Wilkinson, who left "Melody Maker" to start their own company...
, with writer Geoff Barton suggesting the band were capable of making a strong claim for a slice of the market occupied by the likes of Styx
Styx (band)
Styx is an American rock band that became famous for its albums from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Chicago band is known for melding the style of prog-rock with the power of hard rock guitar, strong ballads, and elements of American musical theater....
, Kansas
Kansas (band)
Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on Album-Oriented Rock charts, and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind"...
and Yes
Yes (band)
Yes are an English rock band who achieved worldwide success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre, Yes are known for their lengthy songs, mystical lyrics, elaborate album art, and live stage sets...
.
The album was described as "flute-laced progressive rock sound similar to that of Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull (band)
Jethro Tull are a British rock group formed in 1967. Their music is characterised by the vocals, acoustic guitar, and flute playing of Ian Anderson, who has led the band since its founding, and the guitar work of Martin Barre, who has been with the band since 1969.Initially playing blues rock with...
. The songwriting ranges from imaginative, mythical tales on "In the Beginning" and the title song, to deeply philosophical tracks like "Universe" and "All That Is Real"." The album was also noted for its imaginative lyrics, with influence from Hawkwind
Hawkwind
Hawkwind are an English rock band, one of the earliest space rock groups. Their lyrics favour urban and science fiction themes. They are also a noted precursor to punk rock and now are considered a link between the hippie and punk cultures....
member, Blue Öyster Cult
Blue Öyster Cult
Blue Öyster Cult, often abbreviated BÖC, is an American rock band, most of whose members first came together in Long Island, NY in 1967 as the band Soft White Underbelly...
lyricist and science fiction author Michael Moorcock
Michael Moorcock
Michael John Moorcock is an English writer, primarily of science fiction and fantasy, who has also published a number of literary novels....
, the songs "Lord Of Chaos" and "Stormbringer" directly referencing Moorcock's
Michael Moorcock
Michael John Moorcock is an English writer, primarily of science fiction and fantasy, who has also published a number of literary novels....
Elric series.
Prior to the release, Magnum had toured the UK extensively with the likes of Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. The band has gone through several drummers over the years,...
and had built upon a solid fanbase. Many of the songs had been played in Magnum's live set since 1976, and were suitably "road tested". Many fans were familiar with the material before the album was released, this helped the album debut at a respectable #58 in the UK charts.
Because of the delayed release the tracks "Master Of Disguise", "Without Your Love", "Find the Time" and "Everybody Needs" originally intended for the album, were dropped for more up-to-date songs, such as opening track "In the Beginning". These tracks were later included on Sanctuary Records
Sanctuary Records
Sanctuary Records Group Limited was a record label based in the United Kingdom and a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Until June 2007, it was the largest independent record label in the UK and the largest independent music management company in the world...
2005 2CD Remastered and Expanded edition of the album.
Two singles were released to promote the album, "Kingdom of Madness" in July 1978 and "Invasion" in September 1978, although Magnum's debut single for CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
, "Sweets for My Sweet" released in February 1975 was not included on the album.
The 2005 expanded version of the album was reissued on 22 September 2006 in Japan with Mini LP/Paper Sleeve packaging through Arcangelo. The album was also included in a limited edition Japanese Box Set, comprising all six of Sanctuary Records Expanded and Remastered releases with Mini LP/Paper Sleeve packaging. The set included an outer box featuring Magnum
Magnum (band)
Magnum are a British progressive rock band from Birmingham, England. Formed as a four piece by Tony Clarkin , Bob Catley , Kex Gorin and Bob Doyle in order to appear as the resident band at The Rum Runner night club Birmingham...
's Chase the Dragon
Chase the Dragon
- Cover Sleeve :The cover art was designed by Rodney Matthews."My original brief for Magnum's 'Chase the Dragon' album cover was given by Tony Clarkin, founder member of the band, who writes all the music and lyrics. In the first instance the record was to have been called 'The Spirit' and my rough...
artwork.
All the songs on the album were written by Tony Clarkin
Tony Clarkin
Tony Clarkin is a British musician, best known as the guitarist of the rock band Magnum...
.
Track listing
1 — 4 Demo recorded at Nest Studios, Birmingham, 1974.5 — 6 taken from Magnum's rare first single Sweets For My Sweet in 1975.
7 — 10 Outtakes from the Kingdom of Madness sessions in 1976 at De Lane Lea Studios.
11 Alternate recording, recorded at Battle Studios, Hastings in 1979.
1 — 4; 7 — 11 originally appeared on Magnum's 1993 compilations Archive.
Reissues
| Date of Release | Formats | Label | Catalogue Number | Notes |
| 08/78 | LP | Jet Records Jet Records Jet Records was a small British record label set up by Don Arden with artists like Electric Light Orchestra , Roy Wood, Gary Moore, Ozzy Osbourne, Riot and Magnum. The first release on the "Jet Records" label was "No Honestly", a UK top 10 for its singer and writer Lynsey De Paul in November 1974... |
JETLP210 | "King" Sleeve |
| 03/87 | LP, CD | Castle Communications Castle Communications Castle Communications was a British independent record label founded in 1983 by Terry Shand, Cliff Dane and Jon Beecher. The company was acquired by the American music distributor Alliance Entertainment in 1994 and in 2000 it was absorbed into Sanctuary Records Group... |
CLALP126, CLACD126 | |
| 01/88 | CD | Jet Records Jet Records Jet Records was a small British record label set up by Don Arden with artists like Electric Light Orchestra , Roy Wood, Gary Moore, Ozzy Osbourne, Riot and Magnum. The first release on the "Jet Records" label was "No Honestly", a UK top 10 for its singer and writer Lynsey De Paul in November 1974... |
JETCD001 | |
| 01/89 | LP, PD, CD | FM Records | WKFMLP118, WKFMPD118, WKFMCD118 | Rodney Matthews Rodney Matthews Rodney Matthews is a fantasy artist and illustrator.In 1978, he published Yendor: The Journey of a Junior Adventurer, a hard-back picture book featuring his distinctive paintings of "The Wild Country", a fantasy world seen through the eyes of young Yendor, named after his son... artwork |
| 08/99 | CD | Castle Essentials Castle Communications Castle Communications was a British independent record label founded in 1983 by Terry Shand, Cliff Dane and Jon Beecher. The company was acquired by the American music distributor Alliance Entertainment in 1994 and in 2000 it was absorbed into Sanctuary Records Group... |
ESMCD747 | Includes Bonus Tracks |
| 10/05 | 2CD | Sanctuary Records Sanctuary Records Sanctuary Records Group Limited was a record label based in the United Kingdom and a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Until June 2007, it was the largest independent record label in the UK and the largest independent music management company in the world... |
CMQDD1228 | Remastered and Expanded with Bonus Disc of rarities |
Bonus tracks
Sanctuary Records released a 2005 Remastered and Expanded edition with a Bonus Disc."Sea Bird," "Slipping Away," "Stormbringer" and "Captain America" (Disc 2, 1 — 4)
These four tracks where the first ever recordings of Magnum and were recorded at one or Birmingham's foremost studios "Nest" in 1974. A time whilst Magnum initially searched for a musical identity. — Tony Clarkin
These tracks originally appeared on Magnum's 1993 compilation Archive
Archive (Compilation)
Archive is compilation album by British melodic rock band Magnum. It is a collection of previously unreleased demo and outtake material recorded from 1976 to 1983, and was released in 1993 by Jet Records....
.
"Sweets for My Sweet" and "Movin' On" (Disc 2, 5 — 6)
These tracks were taken from Magnum's rare first single in 1975 — a cover of The Searcher's "Sweets for My Sweet". "Movin' On" was Tony Clarkin's and Magnum's first original song.
"Master of Disguise," "Without Your Love," "Find the Time" and "Everybody Needs" (Disc 2, 7 — 10)
These four tracks were recorded during the Kingdom of Madness sessions in 1976 at De Lane Lea Studios
De Lane Lea Studios
De Lane Lea Studios is a recording studio, currently based in Dean Street, Soho, London, England, UK. Although the studios have mainly been used for dubbing feature films and television programmes, major artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Pink...
but never made the album. A different version of "Everybody Needs" was originally released as the B-Side of the "Changes
Magnum II
- Reissues :- Bonus tracks :Sanctuary Records released a 2005 Remastered and Expanded edition with a Bonus Tracks."Lonesome Star" Recorded during the Magnum II sessions, originally released as the B-Side to the "Changes" single....
" single. — Tony Clarkin
These tracks originally appeared on Magnum's 1993 compilation Archive
Archive (Compilation)
Archive is compilation album by British melodic rock band Magnum. It is a collection of previously unreleased demo and outtake material recorded from 1976 to 1983, and was released in 1993 by Jet Records....
.
"Kingdom of Madness" (Disc 2, 11)
We didn't actually think there could be another version of this track not already released but, here it is. Recorded at Battle Studios, Hastings in 1979. — Tony Clarkin
These tracks originally appeared on Magnum's 1993 compilation Archive
Archive (Compilation)
Archive is compilation album by British melodic rock band Magnum. It is a collection of previously unreleased demo and outtake material recorded from 1976 to 1983, and was released in 1993 by Jet Records....
.
Singles
Sweets for My Sweet 7" (February 1975)- "Sweets for My Sweet" [A-Side] (Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman) — 3:02
- "Movin' On" [B-Side] — 3:47
Kingdom of Madness 7" (July 1978)
- "Kingdom of Madness" [Edit] — 0:00
- "In the Beginning" [Edit] — 4:17
Invasion 7" (September 1978)
- "Invasion" [LP Version] — 3:22
- "Universe" [LP Version] — 3:45
Personnel
- Tony Clarkin — Guitar
- Bob Catley — Vocals
- Wally Lowe — Bass
- Richard Bailey — Keyboards, Flute
- Kex Gorin — Drums
- Dave Morgan — Bass, Vocals (on Disc 2, Tracks 1 — 6)
Production
- Produced by Jake Commander
- Recorded at De Lane Lea Studios
- Engineered by Dick Plant, Barry Kidd, Dave Strickland
- Mastered at De Lane Lea Studios by Kevin Metcalf
Related Info
Kingdom of Madness is also the name of the debut album of German Power Metal Band EdguyEdguy
-Demos, AFM years :Edguy was founded in 1992 by 14-year-old students Tobias Sammet, Jens Ludwig, Dominik Storch and Dirk Sauer. The name "Edguy" was an affectionate epithet for Mr. Edgar Siedschlag, their math teacher at the time. In 1994, the band released two demos, Evil Minded and Children of...
, whose lead singer Tobias Sammet has collaborated with Magnum lead singer Bob Catley on his Avantasia
Avantasia
Avantasia is a heavy metal project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist and frontman of the band Edguy. The project's title is a portmanteau of the words "avalon" and "fantasia" and describes "a world beyond human imagination"...
project.
External links
- www.magnumonline.co.uk — Official Magnum site
- Kingdom Of Madness: Expanded Edition — Sanctuary Records' mini site