EP Review: Magnum – On Christmas Day (Sledgehammer)

In 2014 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first world war, British heavy metal veterans, Magnum released ‘On Christmas Day’. Three tracks long, it features a full-length and radio edit of On Christmas Day taken from the band’s 1994 album Rock Art. As well as a new version of Born to Be King, which originally came on 1990’s Goodnight LA.

The title track is a lengthy but sweet sounding tune that does a great job of reflecting on a war that caused so much death. Delivering a power metal ballad with an uplifting chorus, Magnum certainly aren’t going for the cheesy route. While it goes drag a little near the end it is a surprisingly decent track. The radio edit solves a lot of the problems with length too.

The only other track, Born to be King doesn’t really feel like a Christmas track. Take out the lyrics & it’s just a classic metal track. Hardly bad, just not particularly exciting.

Compared to most Christmas releases, On Christmas Day doesn’t really embody the festive season. However, it’s not really supposed too. It’s more about reflecting on the horrors caused by The Great War.

Magnum – On Christmas Day Full Track Listing:

1. On Christmas Day (Radio Edit)
2. Born to be King
3. On Christmas Day

Check it out yourself below via Apple Music.