Black Majesty - Sands of Time (LMP)
By Michael Ballue
September 21st 2004

This has actually been out for awhile (2003), but I just picked it up. Normally that wouldn't lead to a review, but I think there's some folks here that would be really into this. The cover sticker calls it "melodic progressive power metal...Australia's answer to Jag Panzer and Queensryche' and that's pretty close. I'd say add a fair dose of Iron Maiden and early Fates Warning and it would be right on target. This is how melodic power metal should sound, powerful, bombastic, glorious but with a grit and solid metal core that a lot of the modern power metal crowd (Rhapsody, Stratovarious etc.) totally miss.

The guitars may be slightly understated at times but are most often weaving soaring harmonies and Maidenesque riffs interspersed with tasteful well placed solos. The vocals are clear and precise, working well with the often complex choruses. The rhythm section is all over it, especially the drums which pummel along wonderfully, coloring the usually speedy gallops with tasty fills. The production is clear and powerful, working well with the progressive nature often entwined in the material. The songwriting is consistent and high quality, with head banging opener "Fall of the Reich" and the pounding "Colliding Worlds" being the highlights.

If there were more bands like this, the words "melodic power metal" wouldn't scare me the way they do these days. Out and out very high quality metal here. Fans of Iron Maiden, Fates Warning, early Queensryche and mid-period Jag Panzer should definitely check this out.

Visit the Black Majesty website at www.blackmajesty.com