By Vinnie Apicella What is it with this guy? One minute he's using the "J" the next minute he's not. there must be some underlying code or something to it. This '95 follow up to "Seventh Sign" featured more of the same dexterous determination as the last. "Vengeance," the opening track really opens the lid on what turned out to be an all-powerful Malmsteen release. Led by the soaring vocals again of Vescera and noteworthy in itself for featuring much the same lineup as the last, the sound's remained undaunted, maybe slightly less cushiony than the past but the trademark YJM still takes his place as the overseer. One thing Malmsteen deserves credit for inasmuch as many of his records are predictable enough even given his revolving door policy with musicians, he's usually always consistent but makes slight alterations here and there-so basically building upon his own foundation yet never getting too far off the ground. now personality-wise I'd hate to even hazard a guess! "No Love Lost" is one of those surprise tracks that comes up right away-slow moving and bombastic, this one relies mainly on a heavy groove, half-beat pounding and a majestic chorus-as always. Continually characteristic of later Malmsteen products, the songs generally take precedence despite his profound presence and probably something that's kept him afloat as long as it has. "Magnum Opus" is easy to listen to and finds all contributing factions in fine working order. As the title indicates, this is a very expansive and large undertaking, and one that encapsulates the full-on arena rock of the past, going back some ten years even before it was released-"Tomorrow's Gone," "The Only One," one of the more commercial of the lot, "I'd Die Without You," token ballad, "Overture 1622," self-indulgent classically-inspired piece, and one of the more amazing tunes on this or any other King Diamond album, "Voodoo." OOPS, got lost there for a moment. Another solid effort from one of his strongest lineups, "Magnum Opus" is an uncomplicated and undistilled heavy record with a few clunkers-"The Only One," "Cross the Line"-but overall is worthy as being one of his higher ranking achievements. © 2001, BBHrdRpt

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