For fans of the Gothenburg sound of melodic death metal, 2023 brought a breath of fresh air with the debut album “Vast Reaches Unclaimed” by Majesties. This American three-piece, featuring members of revered bands like Obsequiae and Inexorum, isn’t shy about its influences. The album is a love letter to the genre’s golden age, the era of In Flames’ “The Jester Race” and Dark Tranquillity’s “Skydancer.”
But Majesties avoids simply being a copycat. “Vast Reaches Unclaimed” captures the essence of what made melodic death metal so thrilling in the 90s – the furious energy of death metal intertwined with catchy melodies and soaring guitar leads. The production, while crisp and modern, retains a raw, old-school charm.
Critics have lauded the album for its authenticity. Some, like Angry Metal Guy, acknowledge the band’s embrace of nostalgia but highlight the quality of the songwriting, arguing “Vast Reaches Unclaimed” is a strong album in its own right [refer to Angry Metal Guy review]. Others, like No Clean Singing, point out that Majesties brings a fresh perspective to the genre, filtering classic melodeath through the lens of modern influences [refer to No Clean Singing review].
The album isn’t without its detractors. Some argue that retreading familiar territory feels derivative. However, even reviewers with reservations acknowledge the band’s talent. Noob Heavy, for instance, praises the musicianship and energy while noting the derivative nature of the sound [refer to Noob Heavy review].
Whether “Vast Reaches Unclaimed” is a groundbreaking innovation or a well-executed homage, one thing is undeniable: it’s a powerful and enjoyable album for fans of melodic death metal. If you yearn for the days of Gothenburg’s dominance in the extreme metal scene, then this is a record not to be missed.
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