Staff picks

Is 35 years too long? Back in 1988 Majestic Ryte released a self-titled tape with epic music that resembled Fates Warning’s early days. Fast-forward to 2023, with the same line-up, the band releases their debut full-length, also self-titled. The music here is U.S. power metal with a significant heavy/thrash twist, close to the sound of Sanctuary and Nevermore. The imposing vocals of Greg Tsaknakis vividly bring the late Warrel Dane to mind, and the guitar goes more for power chords and groove, rather than for melody. The album is very heavy, thanks to a pounding rhythm section and modern production, but still epic, even with its proggy and technical touches. It is dedicated to the memory of bassist John Funk, who passed away in February 2022.