Majesty – Thunder Rider

“Thunder Rider” is the fifth full length release for German heavy power metallers Majesty. Originally formed in 1997, after releasing four albums they changed their name in Metalforce in July 2008 and singed to Magic Circle Records rather than Massacre Records that were signed to until then. In April 2011 they changed their name back to Majesty and signed to “NoiseArt Records”. Influenced by “Manowar” and the 80’s heavy metal scene they have been known as a true metal act in the metal community. Even though they don’t sound unique and follow a style that has been played before and has probably given all there is to give and went out of fashion, they still have delivered some cool songs through the years.

After six years from their last full length called “Hellforces” as Majesty and one release as Metalforce they return with an album that has the same standards as their past releases. The production of the album is fair enough sounding heavy with a modern approach. Some goes with the album artwork that looks like a typical heavy metal cover.

“Thunder Rider” is full of heavy metal anthems proper for sing along like the title track “Thunder Rider”, “Anthem Of Glory”. “Rebellion Of Steel” and “Metalliator” are power metal hymns with the same characteristics as the songs I mentioned before. “Metal Union” is that kind of song too, a heavy metal anthem that talks about metal and features some guest appearances of Andreas Babuschkin (Paragon), Patrick Fuchs (Ross The Boss), Mat Sinner (Primal Fear, Sinner), Johannes Braun (Kissin’ Dynamite), Sven D’Anna (Wizard) and Marta Gabriel (Crystal Viper) on vocals. “Tarek Maghary” did a great job on the vocals, as the rest of the band musicwise, though at times I thought I was listening to “Eric Adams” (Manowar).

“Warlords Of The Sea”, “Make Some Noise” has a hard rock edge reminding of the 80’s sound, “Raise The Beast” has an epic touch and “New Era” reminded me of “Gamma Ray” and “Judas Priest” and “Asteria” reminded me a lot of Manowar. “Thunder Rider” special edition has one bonus track called “Young And Free” following the same recipe you hear in the rest of the album.

Nothing’s new with this release, just pure heavy metal. If your music library is full heavy metal bands and you are a fan of true metal and Manowar then this is a great choice for your collection. Thunder Rider has all the necessary ingredients of a classic heavy metal album that can make you adore it.