MetalSymphony.com recently spoke with MAGNUM vocalist Bob Catley about his new solo album, Immortal. The following is an excerpt from the interview.

MS: Immortal is a very varied album, with melodic songs like Magnum, but also with more powerful and energic songs as well. What are the main themes of this cd that permits you to write with such freedom about it? And how do the lyrics reflect that?

Catley: "I don’t know about a theme to the album, but some songs could be viewed as part of a story - a story of life, love, hopes and dreams, which attracted me to Magnus’ writing style. My solo albums tend to be more AOR/heavy metal than the Magnum material so I’m lucky enough to have both reflect my passion for singing great songs."

MS: Changing subjects, Toby Sammet’s latest AVANTASIA album in which you participate. What was the experience like? Did you know Tobias before that? Regarding the songs you took part in, which one was your favorite? What were the live concerts, such as Wacken’s, like?

Catley: "It was a real experience Tobias Sammet, Jorn Lande, Andre Matos, on the Avantasia tour this year. I always wanted to be part of a rock opera on stage and hopefully we’ll be doing it all again in two years time. The reception was fantastic all over Europe, including Wacken, Budapest, Transylvania, Czech Republic, Spain, Italy and Sweden Rock. I’ve known Tobias for some years now and I think he has a brilliant career in front of him , and I’m very pleased for him with the success of Avantasia. My favourite part on the album was singing ‘The Story Ain’t Over’ a duet with Tobi, big balled, love it."

Go to thsi location for the complete interview.