Magnum Wings of Heaven (Re-Issue)

"Wings of Heaven" is one of Magnum's most iconic and commercially successful albums. Released in 1988, it marked a high point in the British melodic hard rock band's career, both critically and in terms of chart success--especially in the UK. Magnum took a slightly more polished and radio-friendly approach on this album, without losing the epic, emotional style they were known for. The songwriting by Tony Clarkin (guitarist and main composer) is melodic, dramatic, and full of big hooks and atmospheric touches and Bob Catley's vocals are in top form--soaring, passionate, and theatrical. The album includes "Start Talking Love" and "Days of No Trust" that were big hits and received substantial airplay. The final track, "Don't Wake the Lion (Too Old to Die Young)", is a fan favorite--a sweeping, nearly 11-minute prog-rock-style epic with political overtones and emotional intensity. The album is still regularly featured in the band's live shows, and in 2007, the band did a special "Wings of Heaven Live" tour to celebrate its 20th anniversary, performing the album in its entirety.