There is probably no more controversial German true metal band than MAJESTY. The Teutonic answer on Manowar always got the favor of its fans with pleasing songs and Tareks raspy voice which stands out from the eunuch-like yodel of the competitors. Critics dislike these simple songs, the typical but terribly stereotyped lyrics and ask themselves if MAJESTY isn’t a satire of Manowar.
These Germans, however, have just published their fourth album, and that isn’t something someone else reaches that easily. The quintet has turned down the Manowar parts on Hellforces to give more room for Judas Priest and Accept – influences. Producer Stefan Kaufmann is surely to blame for this, as he was the drummer of the German legend.
Of course this music is nothing new and everybody should decide by himself if he wants to own the thousandth true metal CD. In any case he should know something: the songs of Hellforces are with no exceptions well made true metal pieces. The title track spurs on strongly, and other neck breaker like Sons Of A New Millennium, Fight Forever and Nowhere Man follow. Personally I like most the rocker Like A Raptor in spite of the extremely disconcerting lyrics (“It’s late at night, in Central Park, you want to see me but it’s much to dark.”). MAJESTY also made a good job with Metal Law 2006 (guest vocalist Udo Dirkschneider) and the Rhapsody – Helloween – inspired Guardian Of The Dragon Grail. This song contains together with Dance With The Demon female guest vocals (Johanna Mott). Dance With The Demon sounds a bit like the band hymn Keep It True and is also a strong piece of metal.
True metal maniacs and fans of MAJESTY will soon own this album. Who didn’t like this band due to the songwriting also won’t buy Hellforces.