Black Majesty
Black Majesty | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Melbourne, VIC |
| Genres | Power metal |
| Years active | 2001 - present |
| Labels | LMP |
| Associated acts | Cyclone Tracy, Pegazus, Taramis, Amethyst, Anarion, Catwitch, Alexander Aveneaux, Soilwork, Chimaira, Therion, Dog Faced Gods, Lion's Share, Demonoid, Ebony Tears, Menhir, Leprocide |
| Website | http://www.blackmajesty.com.au |
| Members | John Cavaliere, Hanny Mohammed, Stevie Janevski, Richard Evensand, Evan Harris |
| Past members | Joe Fata, Cory Betts, Pavel Konvalinka |
Band members
- Current line-up
- John Cavaliere (vocals)
- Hanny Mohammed (guitar)
- Stevie Janevski (guitar)
- Evan Harris (bass)
- Richard Evensand (drums)
- Former members
- Pavel Konvalinka (drums)
- Mark Kelson (bass) (2003 - 2004) (live only)
- Joe Fata (bass) (2002)
- Cory Betts (bass) (2001 - 2002)
Band information
Black Majesty is a Melbourne band playing European-style power metal with something of a progressive feel. The group came to be in early 2001, featuring former Cyclone Tracy and Alexander Aveneaux guitarist Janevski, ex-Catwitch member Mohammed, Betts from Pegazus and Cavaliere, with Konvalinka recruited shortly after. At this time the band was called Arkaya, the continuation of a band previously known as Kymera that Betts had formed in 1995. Work began on a debut album with guest appearances from the likes of ex-Pegazus vocalist Danny Cecati and Silvio Massaro from Vanishing Point. Before it was completed Betts left and the band changed its name to Black Majesty. Some of the bass tracks were recorded by Evan Harris and producer Endel Rivers contributed keyboards.
Joe Fata signed on to replace Betts, but he subsequently left before the album was released. Around the same time, Mohammed joined Pegazus temporarily to play bass at some live shows.
Black Majesty signed a five-album deal with German label LMP in April 2003 and shortly afterward Sands of Time was finally released to wide acclaim. Mark Kelson of The Eternal featured as the band's live bass player for subsequent shows.
The band’s second album was begun in late 2004, with the drum tracks overseen by Piet Sielck of Iron Savior. Silent Company was released in mid-2005 and Black Majesty played some shows in Germany to mark the occasion. The band supported DragonForce and Nevermore in 2006 with Evan Harris playing bass. Harris continues to act as Black Majesty's touring bassist, although he is not a permanent member of the group.
Black Majesty's third album Tomorrowland was released in early 2007 and the band has since played shows in Europe to support it, including the Wacken festival. They appeared with Helloween on two shows of their Australian tour in 2008 and toured the east coast with Saxon the following May. After this the band began work on their fourth album, In Your Honour, which was produced by former Helloween guitarist Roland Grapow.
Since appearing at Screamfest in early 2010, the band completed the album which was released in May 2010 ahead of a European tour in June. In September 2011 they supported Blind Guardian on their Australian tour. During 2012, Pavel Konvalinka was replaced in the live capacity by former Soilwork and Chimaira drummer Richard Evensand however Konvalinka continues to work with the group in the studio. The band's next album will be done in Slovakia, once again with Grapow over-seeing.
Discography
Albums:
| 2003 | Sands of Time | LMP | |
| 2005 | Silent Company | LMP | |
| 2007 | Tomorrowland | LMP | |
| 2010 | In Your Honour | LMP | |
| 2012 | Stargazer | LMP |
