![hastings 1066 [import]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00006G8ZN.01.TZZZZZZZ.jpg)
| 1. Rerum Memoria |
| 2. King And The Warrior |
| 3. Intro Echoes |
| 4. Echoes Of War |
| 5. Sight Of Telham Hill |
| 6. Incipit Bellum |
| 7. Intro Scream |
| 8. Scream Of Teillefer |
| 9. Intro Anger |
| 10. Anger Of Fate |
| 11. Intro Pride |
| 12. Pride Of A Housecarl |
| 13. Through The Bridge Of Spears |
| 14. Demons On The Crown |
| 15. In God We Trust |
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track: "in God We Trust" (Stryper Cover).
This is the kind of album you need to sit down with the lyrics and listen to it from start to finish to really get the feel of it - and it's awesome! And even then, it will take multiple listens to really absorb it all.
I have a couple of songs from their 2005 release called Jeanne d'Arc that sound as if this album will be just as good, so I currently have it on order.
This is a great album that I would highly recommend!
Then these crazy guys in Italy (Thy Majestie) did this themed album about the battle of Hastings. They even had the nerve to call it "Hastings 1066", which meant that their key words were sharing (competing with) mine for my Website on the same subject matter. That kind of annoyed me, and I didn't even give their creation a nod. Until a few months ago, for some reason (just like the convert to a religion that he has always before despised), something I read on the Net got my attention. I decided to give "Hastings 1066" a try. Yeah, the heavy metal parts were overwhelming the first couple of times through. But the mixture of vocals and period thematic music and instrumentals really was very good. Just my kind of stuff. So I endured the heavy metal and came to really enjoy this piece of art. Heavy metal, at least the good stuff, is as musical, and surely as complex, as any other musical genre. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it is THE most complex form of music invented. What I mistook before as an avalanche of mere noise is in fact a huge interweaving of apparently as many kinds of musical sounds as possible. It is tight, methodical, mathematical. If you don't like the barrage of sound I can't help you there. I have come to like it a lot. Now my daughter's CDs do not drive me off, in fact I listen to them, and I say, "Hey! that sounds just like the bit in Hastings 1066". And I realize that I have lately discovered a musical form that has its talented practitioners, and that my daughter with her good taste knows the difference.
So yeah, this album is really cool. And I want more, maybe later....
That being said, Hastings 1600 is one powerful album. It didn't completely amaze me at the first listen, but it intrigued me enough to give it a few more chances, and now it's one of my favorite CDs. Songs 4, 8, 10, and 12 have intros to them that aren't shown on the tracklist, so you really get 14 tracks. My favorite songs are The Sight Of Telham Hill, Pride Of A Housecarl, The Scream Of Taillefer, and Demons On The Crown, but really they all have something to offer. The only one I don't much care for is Anger Of Fate, which just sort of drags on for seven minutes.
The choirs are huge, the melodies are addicting, and the singer has a very emotional voice. Basically everything you could want from a power metal band. The only complaint I have is that the futuristic-sounding keyboards don't fit very well with the medieval theme-- and I'd love to know whose idea it was to write the album booklet in a size -10000pt gothic typeface. I mean really. But all in all, it's a wonderful and well-thought-out album. If you like epic/symphonic/power metal at all: BUY.
Though they've been compared to Rhapsody, I don't think that's too true. Sure they play metal with classical/folklore influences. But TM seems to use more early medival sounds than Rhapsody. Secondly they're not that focused on speed .... they're less power metal and perhaps more progressive. The guitars are great, but you won't much sweep picking.
Personally I took me a little while to appreciate this gem. Of course I immediately liked "The King and the Warrior" since entered the realm of Thy majestie from power metal land ...Rhapsody , Sonata Arctica and Helloween. But the rest took me a bit longer because sometimes there are little rhythmic twists and unexpected turns that I had to get used to and to some extent understand the logic behind. But now I love this CD.
It's a pity it is so difficult for you North Americans to get hold of this. (Import CD)
The music is faster than Human Fortress, but don't expect much of this album to be VERY fast. You won't hear the REALLY fast paced songs that you hear with Skylark, Labyrinth, Secret Sphere, Beholder, Highlord, or Rhapsody. Most of the songs do qualify as "fast", but they're not all that much faster than a typical mid-tempo song.
Somehow, this band managed to have some guy at Finnvox do the mastering for this album. That puts the production a bit above that of Secret Sphere (I have only heard "A Time Never Come). The album is 55:29 long and doesn't get boring. Although the speed doesn't vary much, you keep hearing new sounds.
This isn't my favorite, but it's a very good album. I give this album a solid 4 stars and not 5 because it doesn't grab my attention the way Skylark and Dragonland do.
I hope I helped you in deciding whether to or not purchase this (wonderful) album. If I helped, please say so! I have a lot of other reviews (and now, I have my own list here on amazon!), so read them when you get a chance. Type in "Tunnelvision" and you should get to the list.
The invasion was apparently precipitated by a broken pledge, whereupon the king previous to Harold II, Edward the Confessor, had promised the throne of England to William I(William the Conquerer) when he died. The dying King ostensibly reneged on the deal, eventually resulting the Battle of Hastings, by a royally(pun intended) [angry] Duke William of Normandy. The good Duke was obviously a poor sport.
Now let's talk about this wonderful musical experience Hastings 1066 and the remarkable band that made this magnificent album.
Thy Majestie is a supremely talented group of musicians from Italy. Their musical inclinations, like most young Italian musicians, lie with power metal. If you know anything about heroic power metal you probably know that Italy has more power metal bands than grape vines or so it seems. You also probably know most of the heroic power metal albums being made are concept albums(those which tell a story) and, in Italy especially, the story is usually about some fantasy subject. Some popular power metal album titles are as follows: Stairway to Fairyland, Power of the Dragonflame, Dragonlord, The Gates of Oblivion. Get the picture? So how do our imaginative, talented sextet separate themselves from the pack. It's brilliant, really. Don't do fiction stories like everybody else. Do non-fiction. It's so simple, with one stroke you have neutralized the competition. And while we're at it we'll add some medieval melodies, bring in a symphonic orchestra and a choir, gotta have a choir. Therion has a Choir. Rhapsody has a Choir. Yes, we'll add a choir. Well, talk is cheap and [nonsense] walks, but let me tell you Thy Majestie delivers.
Joan of Arc By the way, one interesting item thats not in the biography is their next project. They are currently working on another Historical Epic Symphonic piece about Joan of Arc. I can't wait.
Hastings 1066 contains all the possible nuances of power metal you could want; from from hard driving speed metal to soft melodic interludes. You say, you like variety in speed and intensity, it's there. you want the pomp and majesty of bygone eras, you've got it. How about those cheesy lyrics about dragons and goblins, sorry you can't have everything.
This music is worthy of comparison to the paragons of the genre; Rhapsody, Sonata Arctica, Dark Moor and Freedom Call. In addition their music is flavored with several "suites" as they call them, which are symphonic introductions, not to mention the inclusion of Operatic sounding choirs that remind me of Therion. In fact I'll bet if Christopher Johnsson decided to do an Epic Power metal project it would sound like this. Maybe this is the start of a new Genre - Symphonic, Orchestal, Operatic, Power Metal.
Songs
1. "Rerum Memoria" is Is a three minute Operatic/Symphonic overture with the choir singing in Latin.
2. "The King and the Warrior",3:26, is a true power metal song with speed drumming and heavy guitar work set to these lyrics, "Crowned in January of ten sixty-six, Harold was set as King, Formidable warrior a braveheart he is, William from Normandy.........."
3. "Echoes of War" 5:56, is a medium-fast tempo song with multiple vocals and heavy use of the choir."Edward the Confessor to Harold, Now on my deathbed I lie and when I'll fly on the black wings of Death you'll guide my reign......"
4. "The Sight of Telham Hill",5:52, a medieval and flute intro leads to a varied pace and very complex power metal number utilizing the choir extensively, "Near to defeat he should collide, with all Williams ardour before he dies, but his stubborness gave him the strength, to fight for a future gain.........."
5. "Incipit Bellum", 1:46, is another piece which showcases the choir, again singing in Latin.
6. "The Scream of the Tallefer", 7:30, is maybe the best song with a wonderful combination of sounds, textures and varying tempos. Magnificent use of orchestra and choir with power metal attitude. "Leave your hopes beyond the Horror, You fight only to survive, Raise your steels and pride!...."
7."Anger of Fate", 7:13, is a medium paced song, emotionally delivered by the vocalist - Dario with some choir backing and moderate instrumentation. "But destiny had already crowned his man, the Conquerer prevailed......"
8. "The Pride of the Housecarl", 7:20, on second thought, maybe this is the best song, a chugging beat with the wonderful choir leading with some solos and Dario taking over the lead. the music is so varied, lush and jumbled I can't describe it. Trust me this is a fantastic song. "The rout resounded around the hill, When the last troops had laid down their arms........."
9. "Through the Bridge of Spears", 3:48, Orchestra and choir assisted power metal, "Blow the winds of bloodshed their immortal chilling breeze,Widespread on the lands of Chalbec Hill..........."
10. "Demons on the Crown", 5:50, is a great finale, Power metal with a syncopated beat and very melodic choruses and of course the beautiful ubiquitous choir. "Bless my fallen men, Let me know my defaults to, Quiet my conceited soul........."
I'm not positive on the lyrics, they were very hard to read.
This is music worthy of comparison to the paragons of the genre-
Rhapsody, Sonata Arctica, Dark Moor and Freedom Call. In addition their music is flavored with several "suites" as they call them, which are symphonic introductions, not to mention the inclusion of Operatic sounding choirs that remind me of Therion or Haggard.In fact I'll bet if Therion would decide to do a power metal project it would sound like this.Maybe this is the start of a new Genre - Symphonic,Orchestal,Operatic,Power Metal. In closing, this is one of four standout albums that I have reviewed this year, and I highly recommend all of them. The others are; Light of Day,Day of Darkness by Green Carnation,In Nomine Nictus by Artrosis,In search for Truth by Evergrey
Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track: "in God We Trust" (Stryper Cover).
Hastings 1066,Thy Majestie,Tokuma,Rock
Average customer rating: 
|
Hastings 1066
Thy Majestie Manufacturer: Scarlet ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Hard Rock & Metal
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
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ASIN: B00006IKFU Release Date: 2002-10-01 |
Tracks:
- Rerum Memoria
- The King And The Warrior
- Echoes Of War
- The Sight Of Telham Hill
- Incipit Bellum
- The Scream Of Taillefer
- Anger Of Fate
- The Pride Of A Housecarl
- Through The Bridge Of Spears
- Demons On The Crown
Album Description
The Italian power metal act's second album on Scarlet Records, the followup to the 2000 release, 'The Lasting Power'. It's a concept album based on the battle of Hastings between Saxons & Normans. Featuring the Teatro Massimo Choir. 2002.Customer Reviews:
Wonderfully Complex Power Metal!.......2007-05-03
This is the kind of album you need to sit down with the lyrics and listen to it from start to finish to really get the feel of it - and it's awesome! And even then, it will take multiple listens to really absorb it all.
I have a couple of songs from their 2005 release called Jeanne d'Arc that sound as if this album will be just as good, so I currently have it on order.
This is a great album that I would highly recommend!
The album which "converted" me to GOOD heavy metal.......2006-07-10
Then these crazy guys in Italy (Thy Majestie) did this themed album about the battle of Hastings. They even had the nerve to call it "Hastings 1066", which meant that their key words were sharing (competing with) mine for my Website on the same subject matter. That kind of annoyed me, and I didn't even give their creation a nod. Until a few months ago, for some reason (just like the convert to a religion that he has always before despised), something I read on the Net got my attention. I decided to give "Hastings 1066" a try. Yeah, the heavy metal parts were overwhelming the first couple of times through. But the mixture of vocals and period thematic music and instrumentals really was very good. Just my kind of stuff. So I endured the heavy metal and came to really enjoy this piece of art. Heavy metal, at least the good stuff, is as musical, and surely as complex, as any other musical genre. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it is THE most complex form of music invented. What I mistook before as an avalanche of mere noise is in fact a huge interweaving of apparently as many kinds of musical sounds as possible. It is tight, methodical, mathematical. If you don't like the barrage of sound I can't help you there. I have come to like it a lot. Now my daughter's CDs do not drive me off, in fact I listen to them, and I say, "Hey! that sounds just like the bit in Hastings 1066". And I realize that I have lately discovered a musical form that has its talented practitioners, and that my daughter with her good taste knows the difference.
So yeah, this album is really cool. And I want more, maybe later....
Contrary to popular opinion: not another Rhapsody clone!.......2005-05-09
That being said, Hastings 1600 is one powerful album. It didn't completely amaze me at the first listen, but it intrigued me enough to give it a few more chances, and now it's one of my favorite CDs. Songs 4, 8, 10, and 12 have intros to them that aren't shown on the tracklist, so you really get 14 tracks. My favorite songs are The Sight Of Telham Hill, Pride Of A Housecarl, The Scream Of Taillefer, and Demons On The Crown, but really they all have something to offer. The only one I don't much care for is Anger Of Fate, which just sort of drags on for seven minutes.
The choirs are huge, the melodies are addicting, and the singer has a very emotional voice. Basically everything you could want from a power metal band. The only complaint I have is that the futuristic-sounding keyboards don't fit very well with the medieval theme-- and I'd love to know whose idea it was to write the album booklet in a size -10000pt gothic typeface. I mean really. But all in all, it's a wonderful and well-thought-out album. If you like epic/symphonic/power metal at all: BUY.
great stuff -I highly recommend this disc.......2005-01-11
Though they've been compared to Rhapsody, I don't think that's too true. Sure they play metal with classical/folklore influences. But TM seems to use more early medival sounds than Rhapsody. Secondly they're not that focused on speed .... they're less power metal and perhaps more progressive. The guitars are great, but you won't much sweep picking.
Personally I took me a little while to appreciate this gem. Of course I immediately liked "The King and the Warrior" since entered the realm of Thy majestie from power metal land ...Rhapsody , Sonata Arctica and Helloween. But the rest took me a bit longer because sometimes there are little rhythmic twists and unexpected turns that I had to get used to and to some extent understand the logic behind. But now I love this CD.
It's a pity it is so difficult for you North Americans to get hold of this. (Import CD)
can't get that much better than this... .......2004-08-16
The music is faster than Human Fortress, but don't expect much of this album to be VERY fast. You won't hear the REALLY fast paced songs that you hear with Skylark, Labyrinth, Secret Sphere, Beholder, Highlord, or Rhapsody. Most of the songs do qualify as "fast", but they're not all that much faster than a typical mid-tempo song.
Somehow, this band managed to have some guy at Finnvox do the mastering for this album. That puts the production a bit above that of Secret Sphere (I have only heard "A Time Never Come). The album is 55:29 long and doesn't get boring. Although the speed doesn't vary much, you keep hearing new sounds.
This isn't my favorite, but it's a very good album. I give this album a solid 4 stars and not 5 because it doesn't grab my attention the way Skylark and Dragonland do.
I hope I helped you in deciding whether to or not purchase this (wonderful) album. If I helped, please say so! I have a lot of other reviews (and now, I have my own list here on amazon!), so read them when you get a chance. Type in "Tunnelvision" and you should get to the list.
Average customer rating: 
|
Hastings 1066
Thy Majestie Manufacturer: Scarlet ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000LX5PWO |
|
Average customer rating:
|
Hastings 1066
Thy Majestie Manufacturer: Avalon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000LX3NPA |
Customer Reviews:
Historical Symphonic Power Metal.......2007-04-03
The invasion was apparently precipitated by a broken pledge, whereupon the king previous to Harold II, Edward the Confessor, had promised the throne of England to William I(William the Conquerer) when he died. The dying King ostensibly reneged on the deal, eventually resulting the Battle of Hastings, by a royally(pun intended) [angry] Duke William of Normandy. The good Duke was obviously a poor sport.
Now let's talk about this wonderful musical experience Hastings 1066 and the remarkable band that made this magnificent album.
Thy Majestie is a supremely talented group of musicians from Italy. Their musical inclinations, like most young Italian musicians, lie with power metal. If you know anything about heroic power metal you probably know that Italy has more power metal bands than grape vines or so it seems. You also probably know most of the heroic power metal albums being made are concept albums(those which tell a story) and, in Italy especially, the story is usually about some fantasy subject. Some popular power metal album titles are as follows: Stairway to Fairyland, Power of the Dragonflame, Dragonlord, The Gates of Oblivion. Get the picture? So how do our imaginative, talented sextet separate themselves from the pack. It's brilliant, really. Don't do fiction stories like everybody else. Do non-fiction. It's so simple, with one stroke you have neutralized the competition. And while we're at it we'll add some medieval melodies, bring in a symphonic orchestra and a choir, gotta have a choir. Therion has a Choir. Rhapsody has a Choir. Yes, we'll add a choir. Well, talk is cheap and [nonsense] walks, but let me tell you Thy Majestie delivers.
Joan of Arc By the way, one interesting item thats not in the biography is their next project. They are currently working on another Historical Epic Symphonic piece about Joan of Arc. I can't wait.
Hastings 1066 contains all the possible nuances of power metal you could want; from from hard driving speed metal to soft melodic interludes. You say, you like variety in speed and intensity, it's there. you want the pomp and majesty of bygone eras, you've got it. How about those cheesy lyrics about dragons and goblins, sorry you can't have everything.
This music is worthy of comparison to the paragons of the genre; Rhapsody, Sonata Arctica, Dark Moor and Freedom Call. In addition their music is flavored with several "suites" as they call them, which are symphonic introductions, not to mention the inclusion of Operatic sounding choirs that remind me of Therion. In fact I'll bet if Christopher Johnsson decided to do an Epic Power metal project it would sound like this. Maybe this is the start of a new Genre - Symphonic, Orchestal, Operatic, Power Metal.
Songs
1. "Rerum Memoria" is Is a three minute Operatic/Symphonic overture with the choir singing in Latin.
2. "The King and the Warrior",3:26, is a true power metal song with speed drumming and heavy guitar work set to these lyrics, "Crowned in January of ten sixty-six, Harold was set as King, Formidable warrior a braveheart he is, William from Normandy.........."
3. "Echoes of War" 5:56, is a medium-fast tempo song with multiple vocals and heavy use of the choir."Edward the Confessor to Harold, Now on my deathbed I lie and when I'll fly on the black wings of Death you'll guide my reign......"
4. "The Sight of Telham Hill",5:52, a medieval and flute intro leads to a varied pace and very complex power metal number utilizing the choir extensively, "Near to defeat he should collide, with all Williams ardour before he dies, but his stubborness gave him the strength, to fight for a future gain.........."
5. "Incipit Bellum", 1:46, is another piece which showcases the choir, again singing in Latin.
6. "The Scream of the Tallefer", 7:30, is maybe the best song with a wonderful combination of sounds, textures and varying tempos. Magnificent use of orchestra and choir with power metal attitude. "Leave your hopes beyond the Horror, You fight only to survive, Raise your steels and pride!...."
7."Anger of Fate", 7:13, is a medium paced song, emotionally delivered by the vocalist - Dario with some choir backing and moderate instrumentation. "But destiny had already crowned his man, the Conquerer prevailed......"
8. "The Pride of the Housecarl", 7:20, on second thought, maybe this is the best song, a chugging beat with the wonderful choir leading with some solos and Dario taking over the lead. the music is so varied, lush and jumbled I can't describe it. Trust me this is a fantastic song. "The rout resounded around the hill, When the last troops had laid down their arms........."
9. "Through the Bridge of Spears", 3:48, Orchestra and choir assisted power metal, "Blow the winds of bloodshed their immortal chilling breeze,Widespread on the lands of Chalbec Hill..........."
10. "Demons on the Crown", 5:50, is a great finale, Power metal with a syncopated beat and very melodic choruses and of course the beautiful ubiquitous choir. "Bless my fallen men, Let me know my defaults to, Quiet my conceited soul........."
I'm not positive on the lyrics, they were very hard to read.
Average customer rating:
|
Hastings 1066
Thy Majestie Manufacturer: Tokuma ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B00006G8ZN Release Date: 2002-10-07 |
Tracks:
- Rerum Memoria
- King And The Warrior
- Intro Echoes
- Echoes Of War
- Sight Of Telham Hill
- Incipit Bellum
- Intro Scream
- Scream Of Teillefer
- Intro Anger
- Anger Of Fate
- Intro Pride
- Pride Of A Housecarl
- Through The Bridge Of Spears
- Demons On The Crown
- In God We Trust
Album Details
Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track: "in God We Trust" (Stryper Cover).Customer Reviews:
WOW , These guys are really good!.......2002-12-13
This is music worthy of comparison to the paragons of the genre-
Rhapsody, Sonata Arctica, Dark Moor and Freedom Call. In addition their music is flavored with several "suites" as they call them, which are symphonic introductions, not to mention the inclusion of Operatic sounding choirs that remind me of Therion or Haggard.In fact I'll bet if Therion would decide to do a power metal project it would sound like this.Maybe this is the start of a new Genre - Symphonic,Orchestal,Operatic,Power Metal. In closing, this is one of four standout albums that I have reviewed this year, and I highly recommend all of them. The others are; Light of Day,Day of Darkness by Green Carnation,In Nomine Nictus by Artrosis,In search for Truth by Evergrey
A huge surprise !.......2002-10-17
That new album just hit me like a hammer , the progression level between each album is really amazing, this bands seems to make huge progress from one album to the other. I'm not sure they are influenced by Rhapsody but at least they like to write the same kind of music, and they do it with such passion on that album, that I'm sure you're gonna be blown away by the result, just like I've been... The resemblance with Rhapsody actually ends with the style comparison (cause this also is Hollywood Metal), but the structure, the sound and the melodies are very distinct from their fellow Italian counterparts. The album starts with a beautiful intro, with choirs so powerful that they send shivers down my spine each and every time I listen to it. It is then followed by an amazing fast paced song called The King And The Warrior. The choirs are the key to that album, that and the majestically written classical arrangements, halfway between Rhapsody and Blind Guardian. Most of the time choirs are in Latin, they mixes male and female voices depending on moments, and they truly are amongst the the best I've ever heard ! Simply amazing ! The guitar riffs are quite sharp and goes perfectly with the mood of the album, which if you're into Epic metal will undoubtedly take you for quite a ride. The singer has a fairly good voice, he's not always enlightening the overall, though he can reach high notes very beautifully on a couple of songs but he feels kinda "small" compared to the wonderful choirs. But I truly believe that this is mainly due to the mix, there is simply no effects on his voice whatsoever... and that's maybe why he can sound a little confined within the music instead of riding on top of it. The song writing of this album is absolutely brilliant, with amazing breaks and truly smart arrangements. Also lots of small interlude tracks that calm things down between the songs. The keys are used to perfection, to enhance every part of the music (reminding me of Symphony X from time to time). The guitar solos are really nice, always melodically driven. The album finishes on 3 songs, 3 atomic bombs back to back (The Pride Of A Housecarl, Through The Bridge Of Spears & Demons On The Crown) that sound like a huge climax of melody and emotions... with melodies flying all over this symphonic musical atmosphere... and the perfect way to end an album... You won't believe your ears during those last 15 minutes. The last song Demons On The Crown is simply mind-blowing and without any doubt my favorite track on the record.
Thy Majestie did for sure deliver a hell of a release here. I believe the production is not yet up to Rhapsody's level (but far better than their previous, no doubts there) and that leaves some margin of progression for this excellent band. The songs on this album are simply beautiful with their majestically orchestrated symphonies and large use of choirs. I truly hope that their use of choirs will become a trademark for them, I simply can't get enough of them ! But or die!
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