I can’t say that I’ve ever listened to anything by Gamma Ray before, I’m aware of the work lead singer/guitarist Kai Hansen did with Helloween and know that he’s no slouch with a guitar in his hands. With only a quick glance at their website, I make it their twelfth full album so far. And “Majestic” is aptly titled. 

My initial thoughts when heard for the first time, led me to a mental list of influences, Manowar, for instance, with their chest-beating, calling-to-arms vibe, Iron Maiden, without a doubt, some of the guitar interplay on this album is deeply rooted in Harris/Smith/Murray territory. There is an element of plagiarism if you really want to pick the bones out of it, a “borrowed” melody here and there, a “modified” riff or two dotted around the place, but that doesn’t detract from the overall quality. 

It’s worth bearing in mind that “Majestic” as an album, is based firmly on musicianship and I mean that in the complimentary sense. There are four guys here who really can play. Right from the off we’re thrown into the furore with “My Temple” a classic thrash idea, polished up and spat back out. Furiously paced in parts and yet melodically heavy in others. And I say “melodically” because this is the first time in a while that I’ve heard an album that isn’t tuned to a gut wrenching Low C, the fact that they’re more standard tuned gives the whole album a quite uplifting feel. Stand out track on the album for me is “Hell Is Thy Home” a million mile an hour romp with an all consuming “advance and vanquish” vibe. But it’s not all speed and no substance, “Blood Religion” is a kind of Phantom Of The Opera (Maiden) meets Queen’s Tie Your Mother Down riff with moody, almost choral parts and then the beautiful (almost obligatory) lightning solo!. 

“Majestic” will doubtless sell well in Europe and Scandinavia, it would be good if it was well received in this country, but we’ll see. Overall this is an excellent piece of work on all levels and it’s non-commercial in the sense that there isn’t a charty hit single. It is pure music and impressively presented, there is a lot to listen to but it’s well worth a go.

Let us know your views on 'Majestic'

Track List

My Temple
Fight
Strange World
Hell Is Thy Home
Blood Religion
Condemned To Hell
Spiritual Doctor
Majesty
How Long
Revelation

Line Up

Henjo Richter - guitars/keybaords
Kai Hansen - guitars/vocals
Daniel Zimmermann - drums
Dirk Schlächter - bass