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Review: Majesty - Hellforces
Majesty
majesty-metal.de
Hellforces

Label: Massacre Records
Year released: 2006
Duration: 48:14
Tracks: 12
Genre: Heavy/Power Metal

Rating:
3/5


Review online: October 24, 2006
Reviewed by: Michel Renaud
Readers' Rating
How do you rate this release?

Rated 3.58/5 (71.58%) (19 Votes)
Review

I've always considered Majesty's albums to be safe blind purchases, but I have to take exception with this one. While "Reign of Glory" showed a slight curve toward a more mellowed and power metal approach, overall it still had the kick-ass, crunchy heavy metal-worship vibe of the first two albums. This fourth (not third - many people forget the self-released "Keep it True" - big mistake!) album however is by far Majesty's most tame, mellowest, most power metal-ish to date. Call it the most "pop", at least as far as metal is concerned. Just about every song here is instantly memorable, mostly thanks to Tarek's vocal melodies that make the catchy choruses stick in your head, whether you want it or not. That in itself is not a bad thing. The problem with this album lies (1) the lack of aggressiveness in Tarek's vocals and (2) in the lack of crunchy metal songs that Majesty has accustomed us to. If it weren't for the vocals which, despite being more melodic than in the past are nonetheless very good, I'd give this an even lower rating, because even though this is well played, it's played safe, making you wonder if the bands wants a crack at mainstream radio and TV - believe me, there's nothing here that would "scare away" your average rock listener, save maybe for the mandatory cheesy lyrics.

This is not an horrible album, but I've come to expect more from Majesty. The guys had a good formula and they steered away from it, down to a more commercial, "easy listening" path. Guys, it's not because Manowar diluted their sound with their last studio effort that you have to follow them down that path. Believe me when I say that I'll check out a few song samples before buying their next album. But hey, three good albums out of four, I can live with that ratio.

More about Majesty...
Review: Back to Attack (reviewed by Sargon the Terrible)
Review: Keep It True (reviewed by Michel Renaud)
Review: Reign in Glory (reviewed by Michel Renaud)
Review: Sword And Sorcery (reviewed by Michel Renaud)
Interview with guitarist/vocalist Tarek on July 1, 2001 (Interviewed by Michel Renaud)
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