Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. It's not until Magnificent Fiend's closing trio of seven-minute behemoths that Howlin Rain find traction, though it's the band's willingness to tweak its grand appropriations, rather than the tracks' epic lengths, that helps the songs stick.
  2. It may be churlish to criticise Miller for proving and expanding his range, but anyone expecting another superior, overdriven, psych cacophony will be disappointed.
  3. Q Magazine
    60
    Magnificent Fiend recycles a lot of hairy late-'60s/early '70s rock moves. [June 2008, p.149]
  4. 60
    When [Ethan Miller] bellows, "Lord, have mercy on my soul," the result is hokey, irresistible fun.
  5. I’d rather be listening to Magnificent Fiend’s antecedents.
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. DavidB.
    Apr 6, 2008
    7
    A good-sounding album, but it's nothing new or original.
  2. SaviS.
    Mar 19, 2008
    10
    Please, please listen the guitar solo at the end of Lord Have Mercy, it's beautiful!