Dance of the Black Tattoo is a compilation album by British rock band Magnum, released on 8 January 2021. The album consists of 14 previously released tracks, the majority of them featuring former band members Mark Stanway and Harry James. Including seven live tracks, four radio edits and two bonus tracks from Sacred Blood "Divine" Lies. Dance of the Black Tattoo was meant to be the "rockier" counterpart to The Valley of Tears – The Ballads, a compilation album from 2017 that focused on Magnum's softer tracks.MAGNUM to Release Special Album, 'Dance Of The Black Tattoo', In January , Blabbermouth, Oct 24, 2020. Accessed Nov 7, 2020. The first official lyric video was released on 27 November for the radio edit of On Christmas Day."On Christmas Day (radio edit) (Official Lyric Video), Steamhammer, Nov 27, 2020.
The album was put together during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, when Magnum had had to cancel a tour to promote their 21st studio album, The Serpent Rings. The record company had suggested that the band make a compilation album to make up for the cancelled tour, in order for the band not to "disappear for two years". While Dance of the Black Tattoo was being put together, Magnum had started recording their 22nd studio album, The Monster Roars, scheduled for release in January 2022.Locked down but keeping the night light burning, Gorey Guardian, Nov 7, 2020. Accessed Nov 8, 2020.
The album cover was drawn by Rodney Matthews, who has drawn the cover art of most of Magnum's studio albums since 2007's Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow, as well as several albums from the 1980s and 90s.
Track listing
Personnel Tony Clarkin – guitar Bob Catley – vocals Dennis Ward – bass guitar Alan Barrow - bass guitar Rick Benton – keyboards Mark Stanway - keyboards Lee Morris – drums Harry James - drums
Charts Chart (2021) Peakposition
References