MAJESTICA – A Christmas Carol

The Backstory

Swedish Power Metal act Majestica is the brainchild of vocalist Tommy Johansson. Then known as ReinXeed, the band got their start in 2004. Their brand of Metal can best be described as Helloween meets Lord of the Rings. Upon their signing with Nuclear Blast Records the band officially became know as Majestica. In 2009 they released their debut under Nuclear Blast, Above the Sky.

Singer Tommy Johannson dreamed to make a Christmas album one day. That day is today. Rather than go the route of covering Christmas standards, Majestica have gone the concept route by adapting the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge. A Christmas Carol is Majestica’s second release for Nuclear Blast Records.

The Album

The opening track “A Christmas Carol” sets the stage with a grand instrumental as if you were watching the opening credits to a movie. “A Christmas Story” is a fast-paced rocker that introduces our main characters. There are hints of some of your favorite Christmas classics embedded throughout the track (and the entire album). “Ghost of Marley” infuses more unique instruments to the mix that are more associated with the season. The melody borrows from some familiar territory. Vocalist Tommy Johansson has the pipes and range to present himself on Broadway. Guitarist Alex Ortiz’s guitar work on “Ghost of Christmas Past” is simply stunning.

“The Joy of Christmas” is an emotional ballad about Bob Cratchet trying to reach out to Ebenezer Scrooge. “Ghost of Christmas to Come” mixes music with spoken dialog that features a cast of many characters. The tempo is constantly changing as we are reaching Scrooge’s awakening. ” A Christmas Has Come” concludes our story as the carol bells ring in celebration and Ebanezer makes right with his life. The album ends the way it began with an instrumental similar to the closing credits of a motion picture.

The Verdict

What’s interesting about A Christmas Carol is that it is not an album of redone classic Christmas songs, nor is it a concept album of original songs. It’s a divine mixture of both. At times is feels like a regal stage production. At other times it feels like an epic movie. It takes balls to take on Trans-Siberian Orchestra in the Rock meets Christmas arena, but Majestica’s Christmas balls are shining bright on A Christmas Carol. It’s a tale that’s been told hundreds of times, but this version is rather fun.

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Tracklist

1. A Christmas Carol
2. A Christmas Story
3. Ghost of Marley
4. Ghost of Christmas Past
5. The Joy of Christmas
6. Ghost of Christmas Present
7. Ghost of Christmas to Come
8. A Christmas Has Come
9. A Majestic Christmas Theme

Majestica is

Tommy Johansson – Guitar, Vocals
Alex Oriz – Guitar
Chris David – Bass
Joel Kollberg – Drums