Tommy Johansson is God’s gift to metal vocals. His incredible and effortless range, strong delivery, and rich tone are the perfect combo, and I would put him up against any of the best vocalists in metal. It has been awhile since we had a full length featuring him, with Majestica’s “Above the Sky” and the brilliant “A Christmas Carol” having been released 4+ years ago, as was the brilliant debut from Memories of Old. Finally, we have a brand new Majestica album, “Power Train,” and it was worth the wait. This is symphonic power metal at its finest, with soaring vocals, memorable sing-along melodies, guitar shredding galore, great bass, and driving drums. The musicianship on this album is utterly stellar and full of technical prowess. From the song compositions, to the execution, to the various twists and turns, to the epic cinematic feel throughout, this is a power metal concept album that will command your attention and take you along for a power train ride!

Things kick off with the title track, and it really sets the symphonic power metal tone for the rest of the album. “No Pain No Gain” has an earworm melody and fabulous undercurrent along with some serious shredding. “Battle Cry” has an anthemic feel with killer vocals and great guitars and keys. Mid-paced thumper “Megatrue” opens with hard hitting bass and delivers a big chorus. “My Epic Dragon” could be a Twilight Force song with the cinematics, lyrical theme, and Tommy’s vocals staying sky high throughout, all amidst some killer guitar work. “Thunder Power” is a blazer from start to finish, while “Go Higher” reaches massive heights with a glorious chorus. “A Story in the Night” is the most epic song on the album (and personal favorite), feeling like it could have appeared on “A Christmas Carol,” with a massive cinematic feel. “Victorious” may be my other favorite, again very anthemic and majestic (-a??), with a super memorable melody to go along with fabulous instruments. Big song “Alliance Anthem” closes the album perfectly.

It has been a wait, but it has been well worth it. I can’t wait to see them at ProgPower in September!

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