In all truth this is my first full taste of Teutonic Metal specialists 'Gamma Ray' (Hey I can't know the back catalogues of every Classic Metal group) anyway this immediately impresses, mind you 'Kai Hansen' rarely disappoints whatever band he's in. I can't compare this is to any previous releases, but what I can say is this is a strong blend of 'Helloween', 'Judas Priest', 'Stratovarius' and 'Iron Savour' sounding Power Metal, that while not the most original, is superbly executed throughout.

The opening track 'The Temple' annihilates from the off, a typical German Power Metal ripper, thunderous drumming, shrieking vocals from 'Kai's' and overall borrows more than a little from 'Painkiller' era 'Priest'- taking nothing away from these guys though, a superb opener. Firmly into 'Stratovarius' territory is the more symphonic sounding 'Fight', an anthemic rocker played at breakneck speed, lyrically not one of the most impressive, but the excellent guitar solo helps it along. Better in my opinion is the potent 'Strange World', which at time owes the odd nod to 'Iron Maiden', that said still another well crafted track, full of rhythm variation and skilled fret work. Brisker still is 'Hell is thy Home' and without a doubt the initial opening is a complete 'Priest' rip-off, overlooking this it's still a quality cut, complete with more deft 'Kai Hansen' guitaring, hearty lyrics and more trademark furious rhythm work. Following in fine form is 'Blood Religion' and as with the previous track borrows heavily, the rhythm is very reminiscent of 'Queen's' 'Tie your Mother Down', while the mid track vocal work is pure 'Manowar', that said still a nicely arranged song, that's wonderfully executed. The strong run continues with steady chugging 'Condemned to Hell', which highlights an impressive '.U.D.O.' style punchy chorus, refined rhythm work and 'Kai' on superb vocal form. Next up is 'Spiritual Dictator' the intro to which is very implicative of 'Stratovarius', this however gives way to a more typical pulsating 'Judas Priest' sound and in turn to an 'Iron Maidenesque' 'Somewhere in Time' style instrumental break. The title track 'Majestic' follows with a powerful almost theatrical sound, which further emphasises the amount of variation in this album and while this isn't my album highlight a splendid track that's subsequently enhance by some stunning axe work. Not quite in the same league is the more basic 'How Long', a decent melodic affair that regrettably seems to lose its way and ultimately turns out a little repetitive, despite some nice twist and turns. The album bows out with the complex winding epic 'Revelation', an excellently penned track that at times is a little reminiscent of 90's 'Savatage' with it's melodic approach and use of a choir, the latter tempo increase is also a smart move and comes together for one of the albums top cuts.

Probably not 'Gamma Ray's' best, but still a cracking Power Metal release that's destined to be in my top three studio albums of 2005.