Above the Sky
Listening to ‘Above the Sky’, it’s amazing to think that this is Majestica’s debut album. Of course the four individuals that make up Majestica aren’t new to the music business. Guitarist and vocalist Tommy Johansson is well known as being the guitarist of Swedish metallers, Sabaton. Prior to Tommy being a member of the Swedish war machine, that is Sabaton, he was busy working away on his own band REINXEED along with bassist Chris David and guitarist Alex Oriz. Now out of the ashes, like a phoenix, the trio rise again, not as Reinxeed, but as Majestica. They are joined on the drums in the studio by ex Helloween drummer Uli Kusch.
The album opens with the title track. It begins with an amazingly quick bass riff, setting the pace for the rest of the album. This is power metal and we love it. Tommy’s vocals are very impressive; with I think a hint of Bruce Dickinson about them.
I particularly enjoyed ‘Rat Pack’, musically it begins with an almost bell like arpeggio that the guitar then mirrors. The lyrics are great, the catchy chorus declaring ‘We come from the North with our hearts pure and True, And with Fire and Steel, we are coming for you’, conjuring images of a medieval battle ground. It’s brilliant, over the top. Epic isn’t a big enough word to describe this song. It’s majestic.
‘The Legend’ is another fantastic song, beginning with a fanfare that runs throughout the song, the guitar and drums join in and are finally joined by Tommy’s vocals. This would be the perfect theme song to a Live Action Role Play. I feel almost guilty for not being in costume brandishing my sword and chanting ‘Excalibur’! Another truly epic piece.
The final track, ‘Alliance Forever’ is slower and more considered. Speed is a key thing running dominant throughout the album, ‘Alliance forever’ does finally hit the same velocity threshold, but it is a slow acceleration and it builds up gradually. Again, the song is a powerful anthem with dramatic guitar solos running through it.
‘Majestica’ have delivered a truly epic album. I think ‘Above the Sky’ will be an album people will talk about for a long time into the future. Chris and Alex have done a wonderful job and hats off to Tommy, what an amazing set of pipes. We can add Tommy Johansson to the list of undeniably good heavy metal singers, the likes of which Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson are both members. I really do look forward to seeing Majestica live, I think it’ll be a show of truly epic proportions.
Released by: Nuclear Blast
Release Date: 7th June 2019
