Album Review: Judicator – The Majesty of Decay (Prosthetic Records)

In the two years since their last full-length outing, Let There Be Nothing, Judicator have returned from collective and personal turmoil brought on by both the Covid-19 pandemic and foundational lineup changes. The US power metal group are now primed and proud to release their triumphant sixth studio album, The Majesty of Decay, via Prosthetic Records on November 25th, 2022.

A mysterious concept album with themes surrounding the subjects of love, family, and the transformation of suffering into something meaningful. There’s a lot to unpack here and it will certainly keep fans guessing. However, when it comes to unique power metal, there’s nothing complex about the thrill ride that Judicator take the listener on here.

Once again, they prove to be unmatched when it comes to delivering an illuminating experience that is both energised and heartfelt. The Majesty of Decay is a triumphant release that proves Judicator are not a band capable of stagnating. From the moment the melodic misery of Euphoric Parasitism transforms into something much more uplifting, Judicator will have you gripped.

Faster and heavier, the robust head-banger that is the title track is the power metal stuff to make you grin from ear to ear. The vocals are immense here and a delightful guitar solo adds the cherry on top. Before soaring epic-ness and powerful intensity takes the lead with the pairing of From the Belly of The Whale and Daughter of Swords. The two sides of Judicator that make one complete unit of brilliance.

This isn’t just Judicator at their best, it’s Judicator at their most confident sounding. How else could they capture the imagination so strongly with the riffs and harmonised vocals of Ursa Minor? Or the thumping and pounding rhythmic eccentricity of Ursa Major? This is a Judicator inspired beyond any expectations and they really can be considered one of the finest power metal bands doing this right now.

Playful melody, rambunctious metal and erratic power groove makes The High Priestess another unforgettable and unusual sounding effort. Followed then by the sounds of nature giving way to a darker guitar tone with The Black Elk. Before the album wraps up with two gargantuan epics. The first of which, Judgment is as intense as Judicator gets, but their passion inevitably fills the soul and lifts the mind to high plateaus. Especially because guest vocalist Angel Chatzitheodorou (Angel Wolf-Black, ex-Bare Infinity) sounds incredible.

Whereas Metamorphosis is an exceptionally elaborate finale, as only Judicator’s power metal style is capable of providing. The emotion in this track is strong and the atmosphere is thick. Judicator making a near ten-minute long track feel half that as they showcase a more progressive sound but with their inimitable power metal style. It’s an ecstatic closing track.

Well, what else needs to be said? Once again, Judicator prove they really need to be getting way more attention than they currently are. Their power metal is immensely exciting, immeasurably brilliant and the proof is this album.

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Prosthetic Records