Symakya | Majestic 12: Open Files
by Nikiforos Skoumas
Staff Writer
Symphonic metal, power metal, progressive metal, neoclassical metal, all bare truth for the sound of French group Symakya. Formed in 2009, the band is the brain child of the musical trio featuring guitarist Matthieu Morand, lead singer Kevin Kazek and “Heavenly” drummer Thomas Das Neves.
In an attempt to pinpoint the sound of Symakya take the power metal rhythm section of Heavenly backed by ever-present orchestral arrangements a-la Rage-Lingua Mortis, topped by the guitar melodies of Rhapsody of Fire, and vocals in the style of Royal Hunt. The above is an approximation of the end result that comes out of the speakers when one plays Majestic 12: Open Files.
Despite being a debut album, Majestic 12: Open Files is a far more accomplished work than even the most optimistic would have hoped for. For that matter, it would have been rather easy for professional musicians to mix the musical elements explored above into a result that lacks directness and feeling. Thankfully, Symakya have brought together their influences and experiences from previous works into a release that makes sense and sounds convincing, no matter the way you look at it. That is because the guys probably realize that eventually it all comes down to the melodies on offer-Pick any song on the Symakya debut and you will find great melodies coming from the guitars, the vocals, the orchestra, the organ, even the bass(!).
Having established that Majestic 12: Open Files is perfectly worth its money, one needs to clarify in which way is Symakya actually progressive; as by 2011 one finds may musical manifestations of progression. Foremost the French team demonstrates progressive thinking/state of mind which is an indispensable quality if one is to successfully combine all the elements mentioned above in a cohesive musical package. Now, the implementation of progression in their music comes through the various musical passages that are integrated in the song structures; still, it has to be clear that these passages serve as the basis for more melodies and verses, granting the compositions greater intensity and catchiness rather than complicating the output.
There is not much sense in looking at individual songs, as one hardly finds a place to start regarding this grandiose musical architecture. The album is expected to have an instant appeal on the genre’s enthusiast, yet will require a good amount of plays to fully come to terms with the structures of Majestic 12: Open Files. It takes world class technique, composition master-class but above all vision for a group to deliver what Symakya have delivered as a debut. If you are a fan of Royal Hunt, Rage, Rhapsody of fire, Masterplan or Kenziner, Symkya, Majestic 12: Open Files is an inescapable must-enjoy!
Genre: Symphonic Neoclassical Progressive Metal
Band:
Matthieu Morand (Guitar / ELVARON, AKROMA),
Kevin Kazek (Voice /SEYMINHOL)
Thomas Das Neves (Drums / HEAVENLY).
Track List:
1. Genesis (8’50)
2. The First Disturbing Contact (3’14)
3. Other Keys (7’59)
4. The Inner Control (7’28)
5. Under The Banner Of The Faith (6’50)
6. Messenger Of The Verb (7’55)
7. Of New Idols (4’59)
8. Supervision: Code 1945 (7’24)
9. Human God? (8’05)
10. Disconnected: End Of Process (3’19)
Web site: http://www.symakya.net/
Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10