Gamma Ray - Majestic (2005/Sanctuary)
Rating - 8.5

'Majestic' is a very similar and consistent release to, well, the past decade's worth of Gamma Ray discs! If you're a fan of their brand of often fast, semi-ripping power metal, then you will once again find plenty to be happy about here. Yes, there are once again some fast ones, but also quite a few of the more paced and methodical selections -- which is fine by me. The band performs admirably on both varities, and always executes in a professional and headbanging manner.
"My Temple" is a pedal-down opener, with great tempo and rhythm shifts within. The marching riffs of "Strange World" are strong, and the verses of "Hell is Thy Home" sounds like 'Painkiller'-era Priest.
A nasty little strut and whiplash prance highlights "Condemned to Hell," while a host of other tracks leave their "status quo" mark as well, including "Blood Religion," "Spiritual Dictator," "How Long," and the title cut.
Kai and company deliver yet again; at this point in time they're not breaking much new ground, but it's a good listen anyway!

TRACK LIST: My Temple/Fight/Strange World/Hell Is Thy Home/Blood Religion/Condemned to Hell/Spiritual Dictator/Majesty/How Long/Revelation

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