MAJESTICA interview online. New album, 'A Christmas Carol' out now.

I spoke with TOMMY JOHANSSON of MAJESTICA about the new album, 'A Christmas Carol'. Fascinating chat finding out about all the work that went into this album. Enjoy Christmas again. Press release, videos, link to the album all contained below.
​If you'd prefer to read the interview, click here.

PRESS RELEASE
In 2019 the Swedish power metal heroes MAJESTICA released their debut album Above The Sky and it became a huge success within the metal community. Now in 2020 they are back with not only a new album, but a special treat for their fans: a Christmas musical power metal album entitled A Christmas Carol. It’s pure symphonic power metal in the true MAJESTICA spirit along with elements inspired by the likes of TWILIGHT FORCE, RHAPSODY, ALAN SILVESTRI, DANNY ELFMAN and JOHN WILLIAMS. A Christmas Carol is out now via Nuclear Blast.
What makes this a unique Christmas album is not just the inclusion of plenty of well‐known Christmas songs, but also because the theme is the well‐known story of Ebenezer Scrooge from the Charles Dickens novel “A Christmas Carol”. With many different voices for the many characters in the story alongside fitting music, people will not only hear a newly well‐written power metal album, but also a power metal musical that gives you a unique Christmas feeling.​

​Chris David comments: "If you know the story of ”A Christmas Carol” I think the title ’Ghost of Christmas Past’, tells you what the song is all about. But if you don’t, it is about Ebenezer Scrooge's past, what happened in his early years and how he became the greedy lonely man he is. The music shows off many elements you can expect from the record. It is a symphonic power metal Christmas musical album so of course you will hear sleigh bells, glockenspiel, recognisable Christmas melodies and an appearance of  ”The Majestic Choir”.  But it is also a MAJESTICA album and I promise you that you will hear that as well!"
The vocals are once again in the vein of Michael Kiske, Tobias Sammet and Sebastian Bach, but this time together with guest singers from such bands as VEONITY, HOT BEEF INJECTION and all the members from MAJESTICA doing lead vocals. The artwork is made by underground artist Madeleine Andersson. She’s previously created some fan art for TWILIGHT FORCE and her style of painting is perfect for what the band needed for this project. Tommy adds: “We wanted to have a painted artwork that could really capture the dark, cold ghost‐like feeling that we sing about in the album. I’ve known Madeleine for a while and have seen what she could do, so when I asked her she was onboard right away. We’re very impressed and very happy with what she created for this album.”

​Bassist Chris David comments: “This is the very first song that MAJESTICA have released that is a duet with two lead voices, and it’s also our first music video with theatrical play. ‘Ghost of Marley’ is a conversation between the main character of “A Christmas Carol” Ebenezer Scrooge, who gets visited by the ghost of his old co-worker Jacob Marley. The video features myself as Marley and Tommy as Scrooge. Personally for me this has been one of the most challenging songs I have recorded to this date, both musically and visually but it was a lot of fun!”
​On the previous album “Above The Sky” people can hear the legendary drummer Uli Kusch (ex‐HELLOWEEN, ex‐GAMMA RAY, Ex‐MASTERPLAN). On this album MAJESTICA have the great drummer Joel Kollberg (VEONITY) who doesn't only plays the drums like he was born to do it, he also loves power metal and knows exactly what is needed. “We are all very happy with Joel as a drummer, not only for the way he plays the songs and how fast he has learned all the previous songs together with the new material, but also because he’s a great guy and we just love him. Great drummer, great singer and a great friend.” closes Tommy. The music was written, recorded and produced by MAJESTICA at Nygård, Ekshärad during the summer of 2020. Mixing and mastering of this album was made by Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, RAUBTIER) at Black Lounge Studios.

Click to order on iTunes.

'A Christmas Carol'   Tracklisting ​
1. A Christmas Carol
2. Christmas Story
3. Ghost of Marley
4. Ghost of Christmas Past
5. The Joy of Christmas
6. Ghost of Christmas Present
7. Ghost of Christmas to Come
8. A Christmas Has Come
​9. A Majestic Christmas Theme

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MAJESTICA is:
Tommy Johansson | guitars, vocals
Alex Oriz | guitars
Chris David | bass
Joel Kollberg | drums