MAJESTIC: Epsilon 1 (PROGRESSIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

A little more than a year after the release of the wonderfull but perhaps too imposing V.O.Z., Majestic and its multi-instrumentalist leader Jeff Hammel return with their new album, Epsilon 1, the first part of a diptych whose concept revolves around a space odyssey and the star Epsilon, an integral part of the Eridanus galaxy. For those who are interested in the subject, I would refer them to the study of Greek mythology or to the reading of Majestic's website!.

'Chariots' opens the hostilities with a rather classical neo-progressive, slightly clumsy at the beginning, largely carried by keyboard flights supported by an aggressive guitar, the voice of Chris Hodges evolving in the same register. Taking advantage of the 11 minutes of the title, Majestic offers us breaks in the atmosphere punctuated by syncopated rhythms, as well as several changes of themes, illuminated by a magnificent central guitar solo. This aggressive tone will continue on the first half of 'Mother Dearest', with a metallic heaviness and Jon Lord style keyboards that will eventually fade to offer a more languid finale, at the limit of the experimental.

The sequel will prove to be more in line with the band's previous productions, with a powerful neo-progressive, dominated by sometimes symphonic, sometimes floating keyboards with a big floydian connotation (Epsilon I), and long instrumental parts even taking psychedelic accents at times. The American origin of the group is clearly felt both in the quality of the production, and in the scope given to each instrument allowing a filling of the sound space. As such, listening with headphones is really recommended! As the shortest track reaches 7'30, Jeff Hammel takes his ease within each track to develop his ideas, without however neglecting the place given to the vocalists, and in particular to Mark Atkinson (Riversea, Nine Stones Close), invited on 'Starlight', his enchanting voice sticking perfectly to the peaceful atmosphere of this epic track. In addition to the quality of our artist's composition, it is also worth noting his interpretative talents: the instrumental dynamics of 'Epsilon II - Doorways' is bluffing!

Well installed at the top of the American progressive bands' basket, Majestic confirms its status with this album, without any real surprise, but so well written and interpreted that it will satisfy the most demanding listeners throughout many listenings. - Official website

MAJESTIC

EPSILON 1

AUTOPRODUCTION

PROGRESSIVE ROCK