MAGIC KINGDOM – Savage Requiem review

MAGIC KINGDOM – Savage Requiem

AFM Records

http://www.magic-kingdom.be/

MAGIC KINGDOM is the other band of virtuoso guitarist Dushan Petrossi whom we also know for his exceptional work with the band IRON MASK. Actually in MAGIC KINGDOM you can also find another member of the band and this is no other than the bassist Vasiliy Molchanov. Now 5 years after their third release MAGIC KINGDOM strike back with their fourth studio album entitled “Savage Requiem”.

THE COVER: The MAGIC KINGDOM covers are always inspired by heroic fantasy themes and I think that this fits to their music which is quite epic.  This time you can see a big evil dragon bursting out flames and burning people to the bone and also a warrior dwarf and a magician that try to put an end to this evil creature. Also above the dragon you can notice some demonic creatures flying. It is a beautiful image with vivid colors that triggers your imagination and lets you think which the outcome of this battle will be. A beautiful and yet savage image.

MUSICAL STYLE: As I said Dushan Petrossi is a virtuoso guitarist with neoclassical tendencies influenced mainly by Yngwie Malmesteen, but also by other great guitarists like Blackmore (the inventor of this sound) and Michael Schenker. His style is recognizable both in IRON MASK and in MAGIC KINGDOM. The band’s sound now can be described as neoclassical power metal, but I think that this is a poor description since you can also find influences that come from the traditional heavy and epic metal sound.

COMPOSITIONS: The new album includes 11 songs which all carry the neoclassical power metal characteristics, but they are also far more. In the new album of MAGIC KINGDOM I see that Dushan transforms his traditional heavy metal influences that come from bands like DIO, IRON MAIDEN and even MANOWAR and gives them a neoclassical approach. The compositions are well balanced between melodies and a dynamic rhythm section, the skills of Dushan are used in moderation and this gives more depth and detail to the compositions. Finally all the musicians that participate here give a great performance.

CONCLUSION: Things are very clear here. If you like heavy and epic metal mixed with power and neoclassical metal elements, then you will enjoy this album which wants to capture your imagination and travel you to a world where bravery, magic and dragons still exist.

Nick “Verkaim” Parastatidis