MAGIC KINGDOM – MetAlmighty

Belgian guitarist Dushan Petrossi is known both for his work with the Power Metallers Iron Mask as well the Symphonic Speed Metal of Magic Kingdom.  The latter band’s fifth album is described as splendid, furious guitar work combined with a passionate and expressive vocal performance.

This description nails it.  What’s interesting, or not, depending on your taste, is the guitarist’s lack of melodic support.  During lyrical passages the vocalist carries the melody and the guitarist remains passive.  During intros, outros and bridges, it’s a full on shred fest.  The rhythm section is stylistically invisible providing a constant staccato drum beat and bass guitar churn.  Keyboards are used for atmosphere but can be poorly blended as on the opener “Unleash The Dragon”.  It sounds as if you’re listening to two songs at once.

The regimented style becomes monotonous and yields few highlights. “Wizards And Witches”, “Rise From The Ashes, Demon” and ‘Temple Of No Gods” are the best efforts in terms of song writing, inspired guitar work, and vocal delivery. The low point would be “In The Den Of The Mountain Trolls” a Lord Of The Rings soundtrack reject whose fantastical lyrics sound as if they should be accompanied by a pan flute rather than a guitar.

MetAlmighty excels at delivering inspired guitar parts, but it struggles to deliver cohesive songs.  Current fans of Magic Kingdom will find this a safe space, but it’s unlikely to inspire new fans or repeated listens.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

TRACKLIST (Highlights: 2, 5, 8, )

1. Unleash The Dragon
2. Wizards And Witches
3. In The Den Of The Mountain Trolls
4. Fear My Fury
5. Rise From The Ashes, Demon
6. Metalmighty
7. So Fragile
8. Temple Of No Gods
9. Just A Good Man
10. Dark Night, Dark Thoughts
11. King Without A Crown

LINEUP

Dushan Petrossi (guitars)
Michael Vescera (vocals)
Vassili Moltchanov (bass)
Michael Brush (drums)