DEADLY MAGIC is a brand new but very ambitious and extremely promising project by Maik Jegszenties, guitarist and vocalist of the German Speed / Thrash metallers MESSERSCHMITT. This project had as initiative, inspiration and motivation the love of Maik for the old school traditional US Power Progressive Metal in the vein of the music by some classic acts of the ‘80s such as QUEENSRŸCHE, SANCTUARY, CRIMSON GLORY, FATES WARNING but also for the classic Heavy Metal and especially the ‘’Powerslave’’ era of IRON MAIDEN.
Thus, he joined forces with a solid and strong team of musicians, who were willing and able to embody his vision for the music he wanted to present, but due to various reasons and circumstances laid back for several years. DEADLY MAGIC’s line-up is comprised also from Alexis Roy-Petit (vocalist), Thorben Schulz (lead guitar), Yannic Zwinscher (bass) and Daniel Behle (drums). Maik Jegszenties himself handled all songwriting as well as guitar and leads.
The mini album / EP has a duration of about 24 minutes playtime and starts with the song ‘’Another I Beckons’’, which is a mid-tempo song with a captivating dark energy. The shadowy riffs twist and turn in the most alluring way, while the haunting voice of Alexis Roy-Petit has a very unique timbre combing elements of both Bruce Dickinson and Geoff Tate and this is not the only surprise. He was capable in the same song, to offer some spellbinding falsettos which definitely remind of KING DIAMOND. The solo and the whole arrangement of the song retain this distinct menacing atmosphere all the way through.
Next comes the track ‘’Deadly Magic’’ which enters with a very intimidating melody before it bursts out to a fast pace galloping sinister elegy of riffs and malevolent screams or recital of lyrics. Absolutely threatening atmosphere that keeps the listener captivated by the enchanting dusky melodies.
The third track which is called ‘’When The World Stood Still’’, is a fascinating USPM song that has the dramatic style of SANCTUARY and in this one Alexis reminded me (in certain parts) the singing of late Warrel Dane.
Last but not least comes the song ‘’ It Ends Where It Began’’. A brilliant song combining all the aforementioned influences and elements, with a more epic approach, that voyages the listener in the mid ‘80s era of IRON MAIDEN and of course the album ‘’Powerslave’’ and the song ‘’Rime of the Ancient Mariner’’.
I believe that DEADLY MAGIC presented four exceptional songs in this mini album / EP and have skyrocketed the bar of future expectations for their band. I hope that they will continue in that path that they just started to ride on, with more music from their side.
I will certainly be looking forward for a full-length album from DEADLY MAGIC, that hopefully doesn’t take so long and will arrive soon enough, because this great mini album will be appreciated by the metal fans and will give them a remarkable momentum and recognition.
‘’…As Nightmares Gorged The Earth’’ will be released on the 20th of December 2024 by Dying Victims Productions and will be available on LP and CD.
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Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
