Though Majestic may not be anything new or revolutionary, it still works well. Having been involved in the metal scene since 1984, frontman and founder Kai Hansen certainly knows how to write a good power metal song. “Fight,” a standout track on the disc, starts with a brief orchestral introduction and then goes into an immediately catchy classical-influenced riff. The verse, like most on the album, is also catchy and driving. The soloing section then features some awesome interplay between two guitars. A choir even shows up towards the end to give the song an even more epic feel. The rest of the songs share similar characteristics. Melodic riffs, catchy, bombastic choruses and exciting solos are all present in abundance on the album. As can be expected with such a prolific and experienced group, the musicianship is also top-notch. The only problem I saw was that the album tends to drag towards the end due to a number of longer tracks. However, this probably has more to do with my tolerance for power metal than poor songwriting.

Anyone’s opinion on Majestic depends largely on one’s thoughts on the changes that have occurred in the metal scene over the past 20 years. Anyone looking for the latest innovation in the genre will probably be bored and disappointed by Majestic. However, those that think that the late 80s were the high point of metal should eat this up. Gamma Ray is living proof that metal doesn’t always have to progress to be good. In an age that is witnessing the fusion of metal with pretty much every conceivable genre, an album like Majestic is in a way refreshing.

written by Scott Huffard

Playing time: 54.46