Track Listing

1. Ballad of Samuel Layne
2. Prekestolen
3. Metamorphosis
4. Blind Faith

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #45856 in Music
• Released on: 2008-05-13
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .24 pounds

Customer Reviews

A masterpiece of contemporary progressive rock music
For fans of classical progressive music, symphonic rock, and contemporary alternative rock music this album is a must. An absolute masterpiece. For those not familiar with Magenta, the band's influences are quite apparent, maybe a little too much so on previous albums, but not so on this one; they have evolved into their own sound. Metamorphosis will remind you of Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, Mike Oldfield, Muse, and even Porcupine Tree. This album combines the best of those influences and their own sound into an epic, sprawling, musical journey. The title track, Metamorphosis, is an example of how to write a 23 minute epic without one unnecessary embelishment, each melodic turn leaving the listener wanting more of the previous one. There is an edge to their music now very much like Porcupine Tree in terms of attitude, none so more apparent than on the title track. The album includes another epic, The Ballad of Samuel Layne, of almost equal quality. As a whole Metamorphosis flows wonderfully from one track to the next.

The recording quality is outstanding, the muscianship is brilliant, and Magenta are blessed with one of the best female vocalists in the business.

Album of the year already? I think so.

Magnificent Magenta
Magenta were voted "Best Band" by the UK Classic Rock Society in 2007, with Metamorphosis they are likely to be very strong contenders for best album in 2008. Only four tracks, two epic pieces (clocking in a over 20 minutes each) full of complex but cohesive vocal and instrumental passages, complimented by two shorter tracks. There are the obvious nods to their influences (Yes, Floyd etc) but there is still lots of originality here and the whole album links together very well. This album will appeal to any fans of classic seventies progressive music and more recent female-fronted bands such as Mostly Autumn, The Reasoning and Karnataka. A word of warning, this album takes some listening and its quality is only fully appreciated after a few plays, but stick with it - this is a classic !

Another great British prog album!
With this, Magenta's fourth studio album, band leader Rob Reed has taken the band to new heights of musical sophistication. Whereas the last couple of albums have seen Rob tackle relatively shorter songs, this album is a sort of return to the long form epics of the first album "Revolutions". The difference this time is that gone are the too obvious Yes sounding sections which interwove throughout the material on "Revolutions". On "Metamorphosis", the songwriting is complex, thoroughly melodic and thoughtfully arranged and very much the sound of Magenta now.

Like the album artwork, the music is darker and more powerful than previous releases. The recent "Singles" compilation may have given the impression that things were getting lighter and more commercial. Well "Metamorphosis" is full blown symphonic prog of the highest caliber. The two lengthy tracks "The Ballad of Samuel Layne" and the title track, each running for more than 20 minutes, are amongst the best things the band has done. Dynamic, edgy and completely satisfying. Christina Booth's voice has never sounded better. There has always been a dark edge to her voice, which suits the material here very well. Guitarist Chris Fry shines throughout this album. Just listen to his spine-tingling Steve Howe-like slide guitar solo in the middle of the title track. I was also impressed with Tim Robinsons precise and varied drumming.

Magenta have been evolving at quite a pace over the last few years and truly deserve the accolades bestowed upon them at this years Classic Rock Society awards. This album should propel them not only to the forefront of the current progressive rock scene, but make others sit up and listen to one of the very best contemporary British rock bands around. A complete triumph!!