• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

When people speak of Thy Majestie (if they ever do), they often refer to one of their first two records, either the Rhapsody-riddled debut (The Lasting Power), or its epic follow up, Hastings 1066, both good records in their own right. But they are forgetting that the band's third attempt, the hyper-polished Jeanne D'Arc, is their greatest work to date, and if you like your Power Metal in the symphonic and medieval mould, it is certainly one worthy of your time.

These Italians have always liked their history, and much like Crystallion, they often base their albums on historical events. This, as you probably guessed, tells the story of French heroine Joan of Arc, and being a concept album, the songs move towards the inevitable conclusion (her trial). But this isn't an album full of instrumental interludes like Hastings 1066; it is a fully fledged collection of speedy Power Metal with big orchestral backing, and plenty of guitars, too. With a production that is as polished as they come, Jeanne D'Arc bursts with quality, and in proper opener "Maiden Of Steel" they present a sound that encompasses everything Power Metal is about. Exciting riff, powerful verse, excellent chorus, and tight, interesting musicianship. Bands such as Dark Moor or even Fairyland seem to get more credit for doing this sort of thing, but rarely have I heard it perfected as it is here, and even after the first track the quality doesn't let up. "The Chosen" and the melodic "Ride To Chinon" are both corkers, full of energy and fun, and we have more heroic moments in "Up To The Battle" and "Siege Of Paris". Frontman Giulio Di Gregorio turns in a great vocal on all songs, bringing them to life in a way former singer Dario Grillo couldn't, and the instrumental interplay here is constantly moving, keeping you enthralled with its swarm of keys and harmony guitars.

In a way Rhapsody haven't since their youth, Thy Majestie take you on a journey here, and if Power Metal is your poison (and it's the graceful, symphonic kind), Jeanne D'Arc is an absolute winner.