Warning: Division by zero in /home2/thegaunt/public_html/bandreviews.php on line 61

Magica Album Review

Magica album cover   Band Name: Magica
Album Name: Lightseeker
Rating: 4.5 / 5       User Rating: 0 / 5
Label: Divenia Records
Buy Album: Amazon.com
Rate Album: Rate


Tracklist
  • The Circle
  • Bind You Forever
  • Bittersweet Nightshade
  • Dance of the Wasp
  • A New Paradise
  • Samhain
  • Witch’s Broom
  • The Living Grimoire
  • Black Lace
    Curse for Eternity
    Wormwood
    Inluminata


  • Vocalist Ana Mladinovici conjures up some of the most wickedly beautiful vocals imaginable on 'Lightseeker', the second release from Romanian power metallers Magica. Quite simply, this is a record that will send chills down your spine with its adept crafting of ethereal harmonies. The record kicks off with 'The Circle', a haunting introduction that sets the tone for the stunning tracks to follow. Ana's whispering invocations are accompanied by a majestic passage by keyboardist 6Fingers leading into the relentlessly driving 'Bind You Forever', featuring call and response movements from the incredibly skilled guitarist Bat and 6Fingers that are rapid flurries of notes delivered with an intense harmonic quality and striking precision. The songs of Magica have a presence that is at once immensely powerful and bewitchingly beautiful. And speaking of bewitching, 'Bittersweet Nightshade' aims to do just that, as relayed in the brilliantly poetic lyrics of Bat.

    'Dance Of The Wasp' begins with some expert bass lines courtesy of bassist Ingeralb that leads into more furious shredding courtesy of Bat. He is a master of the fret board, blazing across the neck with a measure of intensity that is unmatched in the power metal realm. On 'A New Paradise', you will find the group casting yet another instantly memorable spell that instantly memorable. Mladinovici shines on this track, her uplifting, angelic vocals. 'Samhain' displays 6Fingers commanding prowess on the keys which are highlighted in grand fashion. His instrumental skill cannot be understated and must be heard to be believed.

    Bat (Bogdan Costea) turns in some of his most fantastic shredding on 'The Living Grimoire', a track beaming with energy and fueled by Randy Rhodes style riffery. 'Black Lace' finds Cristi Barla leading the group with his stark accents and sensible skin bashing that sticks to the tight rhythms of bat like glue, leaving the axe grinder plenty of room to shine, while driving the tune with an uplifting feel. Throughout the record, Barla provides a sharp performance that provides a solid backbone for the other members to feed from. On 'Curse For Eternity', 6Fingers provides sharp symphonic hits that do well to accompany further brilliant poetry from Costea that is delivered by Ana with a wonderful essence that creates an atmosphere that will inspire any fan of metal. 'Inluminata', composed by 6fingers, closes the record with an amazing display of talent from each band member that leaves the listener wanting more.

    Each and every track on this record is stellar. The group as a whole is a stunning combination of highly talented musicians that deliver a top notch performance that is ultimately one of the most highly satisfying metal listens to come along in a very long time. There is no discounting the beauty, majesty and flair inherent in the music of this band and they are most certainly one of the top acts in metal and for that matter, music in general today. Do yourself a favor and fall into the enchanting spell of Magica.


    Review by: EF

    Read Member Reviews
    the gauntlet shop
    Advertise | Add Content | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Twitter | Rankings | Forums | Bookmark | © Copyright 1996-2013 The Gauntlet®