After six years of hiatus, power metal cheeseballs MAJESTICA (formerly REINXEED) are back with their seventh album, “Above the Sky”. Aside from a drastic name change, MAJESTICA’s sound has grown more mature, despite their lyrical content becoming more juvenile than ever. Of course, these are perfect qualities to have in a power metal album: bullshit, nonsensical lyrics over technically impressive music.
On the songwriting side of things we have vastly dynamic neoclassical arrangements full of countless keyboard layers. The formatting in many of the songs doesn’t always follow conventional guidelines, so, while the core of each track has the same light, energetic power, there’s plenty to keep the album from being monotonous. The musicianship is phenomenal, with bandleader Tommy Johansson (SABATON) delivering fantastical performances on both the guitar and vocals.
On the lyrical side of things, there’s no shortage of entertainment; comedy is around every corner. The 80s-themed ‘Night Call Girl’ shines bright in this respect, delivering a graphic (and kind of creepy) ode to, well, a night call girl. However, no track in “Above the Sky” holds a candle to the ridiculousness that is ‘Father Time’.
What. A. Shitshow. If you only listen to one track on this record, make sure it’s this one. Aside from the Christmas/New Year theme that holds the whole thing together, the song structure is, to say it modestly, super fucking wacky. We have some slow, pulled back portions, rampant power beats, and even the can-can. Yes, you read that right, the fucking can-can. The changes in ‘Father Time’ are so jarring that it easily takes a place as an instant holiday classic. What’s more, the lyrics are so ludicrously out-of-this-world that you won’t even know what to do with yourself. “Father Time with a rifle in his hand,”? Yes please.
Needless to say, “Above the Sky” scratches every power metal itch I have. Whether it’s the oozing cheese or sickeningly sweet, upbeat feel throughout, there’s not a doubt in my mind that this will be a top album of the year for every power metal fan.
Originally written by Kane for powerthorn.com.
