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Majestic's Trinity Overture is one of the most impressive progressive neo-classical CDs I've heard in a very long time. If you love bands like Symphony X, Rising Force and Stratovarious then you're going to go ape over Majestic. This Swedish five-piece have just recorded their second album -- the aforementioned Trinity Overture -- and the response worldwide has, to put it mildly, been rapturous.
Majestic was formed by virtuoso keyboardist, Richard Andersson, originally under the moniker of Lab Rat. The band's debut album, Abstract Symphony, was released in 1999 and received a host of excellent reviews, including 7 out of 7 in Metal Hammer. After touring with Pretty Maids throughout Europe, Richard put together a new line-up for the band: Magnus Nordh (guitars), Peter Wildoer (drums), ex-Faith Taboo singer, Apollo Papathanasio and bassist, Martin Wezouski. Trinity Overture was completed -- using this line-up -- in January of 2000.
I can honestly say that I haven't been this excited about a new neo-classical rock album since ... well, at least the last Symphony X! Each and every song is an absolute winner, with tracks ranging from the commercial and catchy ('Rapture of Canaan'), through the Symphony X/Rising Force-inspired 'Approaching the Storm' to the complex and epic 'Voodoo Treasure'. Take the opener, 'Entering the Arena' for example. An instrumental track which crosses into Marching Out-era Rising Force, gifting the unsuspecting listener with as invigorating a piece of music as he or she is likely to hear this year. The interplay of Nordh's dazzling guitar runs and Andersson's glistening keyboard melodies brings to mind the classic Malmsteen/Johansson collaboration -- a truly exciting combination.
Then there's 'Voodoo Treasure', a complex and at the same time accessible collection of guitar/keyboard counterpoint runs, epic vocals and muscular musical lines. Very Symphony X, but not at all overblown or pompous.
Or you could try 'I'll Shoot the Moon' with its extremely catchy, dark melodies (and a great solo from Magnus); or 'The Breath of Horus', a highlight of the CD, where Andersson shows that, quite simply, he's one of the best keyboard players in the business, with lines that thread their way through nearly every second of music and act as the focal point for a brilliantly catchy and classically-inspired tune.
So, what were the band’s major influences when it came to writing the songs? Says Andersson, 'Since I’m the main songwriter in Majestic I would say that there are a lot of different influences that go into making this record. I’m not listening to rock music nowadays. I don't know what’s happening around me. I’m only listen to classical music such as J.S Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Niccolo Pagganini and so on. When I was thirteen years old I use to listen to bands like Rainbow, Deep Purple, Malmsteen, Abba.'
Magnus is keen to echo Andersson's comments: 'Being that Richard is the songwriter I can confirm that he´s a big Yngwie fan; but he also really likes Rainbow and tends to structure his songs in a similar fashion. Also baroque music plays a big role in his songs. But what I think is really important is that all of us has different taste and that´s why I think that the music has fresh sort of sound.'
Andersson is very influenced by Jens Johansson and has played with Yngwie Malmsteen. Many of the songs on the album -- such as the opener, 'Entering the Arena' and 'Confucius' -- are very close to the spirit of early Rising Force. Being Swedish, I wondered who -- if anyone -- were the big Yngwie fans in the band? 'I don’t think anyone in particular is a big Yngwie fan in Majestic,' says Andersson. 'I mean, it's very difficult to do something that no one ever have done before. Yngwie is a great musician (and Jens Johansson as well), and I feel honoured if you compare me to these great guys.'
Nordh too is a bit of a fan: 'I myself enjoy some the records -- like the first one and some of later ones. All of us in the band are aware of Yngwie´s music and have great respect for him as guitarist, songwriter and phenomenon.'
Trinity Overture uses the classic rock partnering -- guitar and keyboards -- in an exciting and vibrant manner. What was the process by which Richard chose Magnus as the band’s new guitarist? 'I was looking for a guitar player that didn't sound like Malmsteen,' he explains. 'My way of playing the keyboard is very neo-classical. I knew that there was a great guitar player in town, so I called him up and he came over to my studio. Magnus's way of playing suits me just fine. I think we work very well together. Sort of fusion-metal-meets-neo-classical.'
Andersson is also very clear on his criteria for choosing the other band members: 'I wasn't looking for a high-pitched vocalist, because I hate them. I was really after a Ronnie James Dio, Joe Lynn Turner kind of singer. At the time I was looking for a drummer who could play what ever I wanted him to play, and, in Peter Wildoer I think I’ve found him.'
Says Magnus: 'I think I was chosen because I'm of my youth (a mere 20), playing ability and also because Richard thought I could bring something different to the band. As for the unison parts, we just worked out them out. I also read music so I´d work on the parts at home. I´d usually come up with different fingerings and then choose the best one. Playing keyboard lines on guitar tends to be really challenging at times.'
I wondered if the band enjoyed touring live. What countries did they particularly enjoy travelling to? 'We went to Japan a couple of weeks ago,' says the guitarist, 'and that was amazing. I must say that´s the greatest thing I´ve experienced, a dream come true. All the people and fans we met were really great.'
'We're going on tour this autumn with Symphony X and Concerto Moon,' adds Andersson. 'We travelled with Pretty Maids last year -- that was great experience in performing with this kind of music. The guys in Pretty Maids were very nice and friendly. Japan is a country I would like to go to for a really big tour. The people are extremely nice and the fans are totally hysterical!'
Trinity Overture stands out from many other progressive, neo-classical albums because of the prominence of the keyboard playing. Andersson’s lines thread their way through nearly every track, enhancing the melodies and giving an extra focus to the music. I was particularly intrigued by this because even in keyboard-driven bands like Rising Force and Symphony X it’s the guitarist who’s given the most of the solo spots. Was this a conscious decision on Richard’s part? 'This is my way of composing and playing music. It's how I think and live music. I try to write music which is as melodic as possible, and keyboards help me to do that. I think Yngwie and me are a bit the same. We're spooked about that 'cause he said the same thing. It must be like the solo violin leading the whole song.'
Magnus is quick to add, 'I think it´s because the songs were mainly written on keyboards, and also that Richard likes to be heard -- maybe too much in some spots! It´s OK by me. Everything happened really fast prior to the recording, but I think that on the next record that it might get a little bit more guitar oriented.'
Progressive, neo-classical and technical music seems to be extremely popular at the moment, especially in Europe. Why did the band think that Majestic, Symphony X and Dream Theater and co. are doing so well? 'They are very good musicians -- and, inevitably, there's a certain amount of luck involved,' opines Andersson. 'This kind of music is having a Renaissance of sorts at the moment. Of course, the songwriters are very talented and are able to write great melodies. As long the music is good then there's a good chance a band will succeed. If you are only a good musician with bad songs nothing will ever happen.'
As Matt's Music is principally concerned with guitar players, I asked Magnus who his biggest influences were, both as a guitarist and as a musician in general. 'That´s a tough question to answer. The list of music and musicians keeps changing. Nowadays my favourite players are Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth, Greg Howe, Brett Garsed and Eric Johnson. They´re gods to me. Also Frank Zappa is a big inspiration to me, his compositions and sense of humour. I just can´t get enough of his music. But then I also enjoy people like the Brecker Brothers, fusion, the solo drum playing of Terry Bozzio -- the list is endless. I also really admire modern chamber and piano music, as well as flamenco -- although for some reason I tend to stay in the technical field of music.'
Do Majestic intend touring further a field, say in the UK or the States? 'I've spoken with reporters from UK and the States,' says Andersson, 'and received nothing but good reviews. You have a great tradition in this kind of music, so it’s very hard to say. But we will definitely go there to perform.'
'I think the kind of music we play tends to do well in Europe and also in Japan,' adds the guitarist, 'but not quite so well in the US and UK. Maybe the trend will change? I'd love to tour in those countries though.'
But will Majestic continue to write neo-classical, hard rock music without succumbing to the temptation to write for a more mainstream audience? Says Magnus: 'The music itself will retain its sound. We have some touring to do this fall and other stuff, but I think getting into new material will have to wait until spring next year. An album might get released next fall or something like that. But right now we´re concentrated on what´s happening with this one.'
Andersson is quick to agree: 'I will never be mainstream. It doesn’t really matter what people think of my music, I write music directly from my heart and soul. So far I am very satisfied with the new line-up. They are very good musicians with great personalities.'
Something to look forward to then. But until the next album, do yourself a mighty favour and get hold of a copy of Trinity Overture. It's liable to be the wisest decision you'll make this year.
Matt's Playlist:
Children of Bodom -- Hatebreeder
Fates Warning -- Disconnected
Majestic -- Trinity Overture
Ennio Morricone -- The Thriller Collection
Joe Satriani -- Engines of Creation
Matt's Mind|Matt's Music|The Modern Guitarist
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