If you're going to call your band Majestic — even if it's only a one-man band — at least give us something that lives up to such a pretentious name. While the music on Descension, the debut CD from American multi-instrumentalist Jeff Hamel, is downright brilliant, the man's weak, shaky voice makes this an often tedious listen that keeps it from reaching the heights Majestic's name suggests.
Hamel has been making progressive music since the 80s, namely in the band Osmium, and he displays gnarly guitar and keyboard styles that recall everything from Pink Floyd to Porcupine Tree. Whether indulging in beautiful acoustic songs like "Tides" or adding layer upon layer of instruments in the roiling metal track "Break Free," Hamel's got the chops to still make a bigger name for himself. But his vocal delivery lacks confidence and flair. He needs to find a new vocalist fast, which he has reportedly done in the form of Jessica Rasche — who will no doubt take this music in vibrant new directions. And if he continues to explore his still-untamed side, Majestic might really sound, well, majestic.
Track Listing:
1) Descension I
2) Close My Eyes
3) Tides
4) Break Free
5) Descension II
6) Hear Me
7) Broken
8) At the Edge
9) The Longing
10) Descension III
11) Last Dance
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
