Thy Majestie: ShiHuangDi

I have to say this is one very impressive recording, Italian Power metal band Thy Majestie are no strangers to top quality musical epics. Up there with other albums from groups like Fairyland and Rhapsody Of Fire, thanks to some notable concept albums like Hastings 1066 and Jeanne D'arc. Thy Majestie then took a different direction with the release of Dawn which I reviewed favorably back in 2008. Now they are back having recorded another historical based concept album called ShiHuangDi, "this time dealing with the life of the legendary Qin Shi Huang, who became the first emperor of a unified China in 221 BC".

Thy Majestie are once again applying their musical skills and playing potent epic melodic power metal this time adding some touches of the orient to the mix in line with the concept of ShiHuangDi, and these complement their music so well, coupled with those wonderful orchestral arrangements and layered vocals. Their music does get quite technical and is just so captivating, "Seven reigns" is the first of many gems, a heavy track which features spirited and very impressive musicianship in a potent Symphony X kind of style that works a treat. The vocals of Rhapsody of Fire & Vision Divine lead singer Fabio Lione appear on "End Of Days", which is another good one. "Ephemeral" is a fine combination of multi paced power/progressive metal that captivates and begs to be replayed with a wonderful chorus.

ShiHuangDi is an enthralling metal release and will no doubt impress those fans hoping that Thy Majestie would once again release another quality epic, This band are so good at what they do if you haven't heard Thy Majestie's material then you really should. ShiHuangDi has everything you could ask for and then some, way to go guys.

Track List:
1. Zhongguo
2. Seven reigns
3. Harbinger of new dawn
4. Siblings of Tian
5. Walls of the emperor
6. Under the same sky
7. Farewell
8. Huanghun
9. Ephemeral
10. End of the days
11. Requiem

Added: August 18th 2012
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2320
Language: english

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