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Magic Kingdom: Savage Requiem

Back in 2010 there was a studio release by the group Magic Kingdom called Symphony Of War and it sure had me hooked, and now the power/symphonic speed metal band have another Savage Requiem. Main man/guitarist Dushan Petrossi's other band Iron Mask impressed with their latest release Fifth Son Of Winterdoom, and Petrossi has kept the momentum going with this Magic Kingdom's fourth album.

Being a fan of his I was somewhat disappointed going into the latest album from Magic Kingdom when I discovered that Olaf Hayer (Luca Turilli, Dionysus and Symphonity) was no longer on lead vocals. As this is the first Magic Kingdom album to feature Christian Palin who appeared a while back on the last album by progressive/ symphonic metal group Adagio. Olaf would still be my first choice though despite my apprehensions Christian Palin's vocals on Savage Requim really are very good with a style that suits the material.

One of Savage Requiem's standouts "Guardian Angels" has a sweet guitar melody that draws you and Magic Kingdom builds on this helping to create such a memorable track. Dushan Petrossi sure is a talent on the guitar and he is in total command on the brisk "Rivals Forever" as the band are blazing along his nimble playing takes centre stage. Magic Kingdom take a slower and potent route with "Full Moon Sacrifice" before soaring once more on "Ship Of Ghosts" where the alternating pace works a treat with that pulsating groove. Title track "Savage Requiem" keeps the tempo down though with the exemption of "Dragon Princess" a catchy mid paced track Savage Requiem has more in store for fans of express European power/symphonic metal and neo classical shredding with a touch of Yngwie Malmsteen.

This album hasn't captivated me to the same extent of Symphony Of War, but nevertheless Magic Kingdom do have an impressive new release in 2015 with Savage Requiem.

See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!


Track Listing
1. In Umbra Mea
2. Guardian Angels
3. Rivals Forever
4. Full Moon Sacrifice
5. Ship Of Ghosts
6. Savage Requiem
7. Four Demon Kings Of Shadowlands
8. With Fire And Sword
9. Dragon Princess
10. Battlefield Magic

Added: March 29th 2015
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score:
Related Link: Band Site
Hits: 2650
Language: english

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» SoT Staff Roundtable Reviews:

Magic Kingdom: Savage Requiem
Posted by Pete Pardo, SoT Staff Writer on 2015-03-29 07:31:07
My Score:

Here we have the fourth release from Brussels based symphonic speed metal act Magic Kingdom, as always led by the supreme skills of guitarist Dushan Petrossi. Savage Requiem sees Adagio vocalist Christian Palin taking over for Olaf Hayer, and really, not a step is missed, as the band continue on their way delivering speedy power metal with a symphonic & neo-classical flair. If you like Petrossi's other band Iron Mask, and well as say Rhapsody of Fire, Yngwie Malmsteen, or Adagio, chances are Savage Requiem will be right up your alley. "Rivals Forever" contains some pretty sick neo-classical shredding from Petrossi as well as some intense double bass drumming courtesy of Michael Brush, while slower, more epic tracks such as "Full Moon Sacrifice", "Four Demon Kings of Shadowlands", and the the title cut, offer up adventurous arrangements that steer towards progressive metal territory. If you just want to hear blazing guitar & keyboard passages, well, there's that too in the form of "Battlefield Magic" and "With Fire and Sword".

All this 'dragons' and 'wizards' and 'swords' type of fantasy themed power metal might not be everyone's cup of tea, and yes it can get a little silly at times, but Magic Kingdom certainly are good at what they do and have delivered an enjoyable album here. Awesome cover art adorns what is another quality release from the folks at AFM Records.



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