Black Majesty – Oceans Of Black

Black Majesty
Oceans Of Black
Label: Scarlet Records
Out: June 20^th, 2025
Playing time: 01:00:51

The Power Metal band Black Majesty from Melbourne (Australia) already has a long history behind it. Founded in 2001 by the two guitarists Steve Janevski and Hanny Mohamed. Hanny Mohamed and singer John Cavaliere remain from the early days. In 2002, the EP ‘Sands of Time’ was released with three songs. These were also included on the debut album, which was released one year later and had the same title. Further albums were then released every two or three years. Until 2018, when fans had to wait seven years. In June, the Australians released their eighth album, ‘Oceans Of Black’.

Relaxed, lively, melodic – this is how the opener ‘Dragon Lord’ presents itself. John Cavaliere’s vocals are powerful and clear. But occasionally slightly raspy. There is also a melodic guitar solo. ‘Set Stone On Fire’ starts with a keyboard fade in, before the guitars and drums kick in powerfully. The singer keeps up the tempo and also manages to deliver some high screams. Even the slightly distorted spoken words have a high tempo. Guitar solo? Of course – fast and filigree. ‘Hold On’ stomps along rhythmically. ‘Raven’ starts quietly but is later played faster. John Cavaliere sings a little lower in places. And this concept doesn’t change too much later on either. Whether it’s ‘Lucifer’, ‘Oceans Of Black’, ‘Only The Devil’ or ‘Hell Racer’, the Aussies are always more or less fast. The power ballad ‘Got A Hold On You’ is a real respite. Well, it works! For me, this is the absolute top song on the album. This is followed by ‘Here We Go’, a Power Metal anthem – another highlight. But this one also swings into high-speed mode more often. Black Majesty also vary the tempo a little on ‘Astral Voyager’. ‘Ghost In The Darkness’ starts off anthemically before the guitars and drums kick in again.

Oh yes, Black Majesty play Power Metal. And they actually play it very confidently. Actually, because very often the high-speed tristesse reigns. I’ve already mentioned my two album favourites. But I would have liked a little more variety in composition and arrangement. Then a much better rating would have been possible. Power Metal doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to blast away for one hour.

Black Majesty – Dragon Lord: https://youtu.be/WXCRtDYl1GA?si=I0SuHmwTb4uwnIWr

Lineup:

John Cavaliere – Vocals
Hanny Mohamed – Guitar, Keyboards
Clinton James Bidie – Guitar
Evan Harris – Bass
Zain Kimmie – Drums

Track list:

• Dragon Lord
• Set Stone On Fire
• Hold On
• Raven
• Lucifer
• Oceans Of Black
• Only The Devil
• Hell Racer
• Got A Hold On You
• Here We Go
• Astral Voyager
• Ghost In The Darkness