REVOLUTIONS

If I compare this debut by Magenta with the other two albums I know so far (Seven and Metamorphosis) this Revolutions is much closer to the latter output. And then I'm mainly talking about the level of energy that's coming off both albums. Seven was more decent and flat than energetic in my opinion and Metamorphosis and Revolutions are much firmer.

The opening multi-layered Children of the Sun is already a good example of that. Reed is setting the tone with this very good composition but I wouldn't call it the highlight of the album. Second epic in several parts The White Witch is at least is good as first and yet also this one isn't top of the bill to me. Both epics are quality-wise just about as good as the two epics on Metamorphosis but big difference with the two albums is that this debut has an entire second disc that is even better (imo) than disc one.

The level of second disc is of equal high level as first that is until we get to the final track which appears to be my outstanding favorite. This track called The Warning is simply amazing with stunning guitar by Reed and it's probably the best song he ever composed, better even than the magnificent Lemminkainen's Lament from the Kalevela project.

All a matter of taste and opinion in the end of course but all things considered this first album by Magenta could very well be their best. It has some competition from Metamorphosis but is more shining and has more brilliant moments which are lacking on Metamorphosis being more like solid overall. Hard to rate in the end but I feel the score is around 4,5 stars so I wouldn't go as far as Gatot and Ivan with my rating and will round down in the end. But it's a near masterpiece for sure and highly recommended for all neo progressive fans and indispensable for fans of Magenta and Rob Reed in particular.