Epic Symphonic Power Metal is brought to you by MAGIC KINGDOM, who are from Brussels in Belgium. On 13 December 2024 they decided to release their sixth album to date, and they named it “Blaze Of Rage”. As this is music by our southern neighbours, I would have thought I had heard of them before. But alas, I haven’t, but that is quite understandable, as I am not the biggest fan of this kind of music. That stems from the days that too many bands were playing this, and I actually overdosed on it. Since then, I have been very weary of anything in this vein.

But here we have it, our editors have deemed me capable of giving “Blaze Of Rage” an honest verdict. And of course I will do my best. Let me start by saying that Epic Symphonic Power Metal can not function without a good sound. Well, that part is covered nicely, as the production is top notch. Mr. Dushan Petrocci can be proud of what he has achieved on this MAGIC KINGDOM record. Everything is crystal clear and transparent, so you hear every move that is being made. The album takes up 65 minutes of your time, and will have you hovering between adoration and desperation, sometimes simultaneously.

Why is that, you ask? That is because although everything is very distinguishable, I am not completely sure that some of the choices that the band has made are the right ones for the circumstances. And the main culprit for my thoughts are down to the Death/Black vocals by Roma Siadletsky. They are not about his abilities, As they are quite clear, but the points at which the band have chosen to use his voice. To me, grunting doesn’t work if you aren’t giving us the music that should accompany it. I want to hear ruthless rhythms and devastating drums when someone grunts, but MAGIC KINGDOM have decided otherwise. Well, their choice would not have been mine.

As for the songs themselves, they are very much a rehash of what has been done before by many a band. They are not giving me any new insights or fresh ideas, and I would have liked to get some from MAGIC KINGDOM. I’m not saying that “Blaze Of Rage” is a bad album. No, but it isn’t one of the forerunners in this genre either. I guess I was just hoping for more. I do know that if you are a die-hard fan of Epic Symphonic Power Metal you will probably love this album very much. But, as I am not that kind of person, I find it just okay. No more, no less.