UK progressive rock group Magenta has been releasing strong albums for over 25 years. The band now returns with their 10th studio album, and first in six years, titled Tarot. Recorded by the core trio of Rob Reed (keyboards, bass, producer, and songwriter), Christina Booth (lead vocals), and Chris Fry (lead guitars), along with guest drummer Nick D’Virgilio, the group delivers another shift in musical direction while still producing one of their most interesting and evocative albums to date.
A central theme has always been key to a Magenta album—whether it’s the Seven Deadly Sins on Seven, the premature deaths of cult figures on The Twenty Seven Club, or classic horror film stars on Masters of Illusion. Tarot continues this approach through the lens of Tarot cards. Inspired by the 1965 film Dr. Terror’s House of Horror, Rob Reed and his brother, lyricist Steve felt it would be an interesting way to tell the story of each character through a different Tarot card. These are represented across the album’s five main tracks: “The Lovers,” “The Magician,” “The World,” “Strength,” and “The Empress,” accompanied by short interludes, with the closing title track “Tarot” bringing the album to a gentle conclusion.
As Rob Reed discusses in a recent interview with The Prog Report (HERE), the album takes a strongly symphonic approach, drawing comparisons to the legendary prog rock group Renaissance. Christina Booth’s vocals recall the style of Annie Haslam, a similarity that is clearly intentional and works very well within this setting. Orchestration plays a central role throughout—something that has always been present in Magenta’s sound, but never quite this prominent. The results are highly effective.
Each of the five Tarot-themed tracks is substantial in length, ranging from eight to ten minutes. The opening track and first single, “The Lovers,” serves as a perfect introduction to the album. It begins with strings that lead into a bold trumpet refrain before Booth’s vocals enter. The track moves at an upbeat pace and features a very memorable chorus. Nick D’Virgilio’s drumming fits seamlessly throughout, providing both power and precision. The swirling orchestral passages in the chorus are a highlight, with a clear nod to ELO, as Reed notes in the interview.
“The Magician” opens with heavier guitar lines before transitioning into Reed’s beautiful piano work and Fry’s delicate nylon-string guitar. It’s another carefully constructed piece, with standout moments in the midsection driven by strong guitar interplay. The closing passage, featuring flute and piano, hints at a Genesis influence. Each of the main tracks contains moments that stand out without feeling excessive.
One of the later highlights is “The Empress,” built around an addictive guitar riff and, once again, excellent orchestration. The song moves into a soothing midsection before returning to its central motif for a strong finish. The album concludes with the ballad “Tarot,” which Reed has said was nearly left off the record. That would have been a mistake, as it offers a warm melody and provides an ideal showcase for Booth’s voice. It’s a fitting and understated way to close the album.
Magenta’s Tarot embraces the core elements of symphonic prog while presenting them in a more reflective and cohesive framework. It marks a shift from the band’s more narrative-driven epics toward a symbolic and emotionally guided concept, resulting in some of their most inspired material in years. With so many releases already out—and still to come—in 2026, this is one album that shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s certainly an album worth spending time with… it’s in the cards.
Released on Tigermoth Records on April 10th.
Order here https://tigermothhosting.co.uk/magenta2017/index.html
Songs / Tracks Listing
1. The Lovers
2. Etude 1
3. The Magician
4. Etude 2
5. The World
6. Etude 3
7. Strength
8. Etude 4
9. The Empress
10. Tarot
Line-up / Musicians
– Christina Booth / lead vocal
– Robert Reed / keyboards, bass, piano, Rhythm guitars, recorders
– Chris Fry / lead & Nylon guitars
With:
– Nick D’Virgilio / drums
– Peter Jones / backing vocals
– Steve Balsamo / backing vocals
– Katie Axelsen / flute
– Sam Baxter / oboe
The post Magenta – Tarot (Album Review) appeared first on The Prog Report.
