BOB CATLEY – Middle Earth [Escape Music reissue +2 bonus] (2025), MP3+FLAC

Escape Music announced the 2025 re-release of much loved vocalist BOB CATLEY (Magnum / Avantasia) “Middle Earth” album on Vinyl and CD with the new artwork by the legendary artist Rodney Matthews and bonus tracks.
After the great success of ‘The Tower’, Bob and Gary got together again for the follow-up – ‘Legends’.

It was during this period that Bob and Gary first discussed their mutual love for the work of JRR Tolkein, which planted a seed in Gary’s mind, which finally led to this full-blown concept album based around Tolkein’s work on ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’.
”Middle Earth” is, of course, the mythical world where all these events take place, and once again Gary’s wonderfully evocative lyrics fully immerse us into this wonderful and colourful universe. As with the previous album ‘Legends’, the band again mostly consisting of members of Ten, such as superb guitarist Vinny Burns and Steve McKenna (bass), with the drum stool being occupied by Dante Fox’s Jon Cookesy.
Artwork has once again been provided my worldrenowned artist Rodney Matthews, whose career is inextricably linked with Magnum/Bob Catley. This ‘fellowship’ was once more prepared to take Gary’s evocative work and Bob Catley’s mercurial vocals out into the world once more.

First of all, the songwriting here is top draw. The melodies and lyrics are incredibly well crafted, and Sir Bob Catley sings them with a singular authority. Musically ”Middle Earth” is significantly more melodic than even Bob’s own band, Magnum, at the time.
Simply put, if you want to hear a wonderful singer tackle incredibly well-written and structured melodic songs about Middle Earth’s fantasy, you’ll enjoy this record a ton.

There are some real standouts here, each aligned broadly with a scene / idea / concept from the Tolkien novel. The opening track ‘Wraith of the Rings’ gives a real sense of danger and the unknown, as the ringwraiths circle on the shire, and Frodo leads his friends towards Bree.
‘City Walls’ perfectly encapsulates the quiet honor of the battle of Helm’s Deep. ‘The End of Summer’ does a fantastic job of conveying Galadriel’s timeless beauty and effortless presence.

But the cornerstone, the heart, the timeless classic of this work is ‘Where You Lead, I’ll Follow’, a touchingly tender song about the one and only Gandalf. Bob’s aching, caring voice calls to this walking allegory of a character, amongst some of the most easily-treasured melodies he ever recorded. That sounds like a stretch, but, believe you me, if you’ve read thus far; there’s a good chance you are interested enough to find out.

There are numerous other highlights on ”Middle Earth”. Finding your own golden moments should not prove to be a difficult task.
The musicianship is top-notch, Mr. Catley’s inimitable voice shines with the passion many singers lack, and the story is, well… ‘epic’ in the true sense of the word. The songwriting is so well-done that you can almost hear Bob and Gary in their rehearsal room discussing how they can’t mess up something as important as an album with Tolkien as the subject matter.
Highly Recommended

1. The Wraith of the Rings
2.
(I) The Fields That I Recall
(II) Emissary
(III) The Fields That I Recall (Reprise)
3. City Walls
4. Against the Wind
5.
(I) Where You Lead I’ll Follow
(II) Stormcrow and Pilgrim
(III) Where You Lead I’ll Follow (Reprise)
6. Return of the Mountain King
7. The End of Summer (Galadriel’s Theme)
8. This Gallant Band of Manic Strangers
9. The Fellowship
BONUS TRACKS:
10. Deep Winter (Live at Gods)
11. Fire and Ice (Live at Gods)

Bob Catley – vocals
Gary Hughes – vocals, keyboards
Vinny Burns – guitars
Steve McKenna – bass
John Cooksey – drums
Tracey Hitchings – vocals on “Against the Wind”

MP3 FLAC