Oh goody, more power metal. Sense the sarcasm? I’m glad you did. Supreme Majesty, hailing from Sweden, recently released “Elements of Creation” on Massacre Records, and it should garner praise from power metal fanatics. However, I don’t really see how this particular group is all that different (or better for that matter) than other progressive/power acts that are whittling away at the genre.

As with most troupes playing this style, the songs are fairly catchy, while incorporating high-pitched vocalizations and a beat that is all-too-recognizable. “Soulseeker,” though not innovative, is sure to be a pleaser due to its energetic soundscape. “Spellbound” does just about the same thing, though “Dance of the Elements” relies heavily on keyboards. The latter conjures images of a crystalline cave or a similar geographical feature, but juxtaposes the images with lyrics that speak of fire. “King of Warriors” is perhaps too grandiose for its own good, and is melodramatic to boot. Conversely, “One More Promise” slows the tempo, instates a melodious guitar lead, and goes straight for the emotional motif. Supreme Majesty give an instrumental in the form of “The Quest Part 1,” as keyboards, guitars, and drums all traipse about for the better part of three minutes. “Dawn of the Dead,” “Die in a Dream,” and “The Bitter End” bring the album to a predictable close that isn’t too far-fetched from what the album opened up with.

Honestly, I can’t recommend “Elements of Creation” over much of the power metal that’s being circulated. Nonetheless, I can’t berate the record either, which means that Supreme Majesty has obviously crafted a middle-of-the-road effort that’s destined to be forgotten soon after it’s heard.

[This review was first published on the now defunct scandinavianmetal.info webzine]

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