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Mary Major,The: 04:13

Modern Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

Rating: 3.5/5.0

TMM Productions
www.themarymajor.com
www.myspace.com/themarymajor
Review: Craig Hartranft,  02.15.2010

The Mary Major was born from the now defunct Swedish goth metal band Beseech, including Lotta Hoglin, Erik Molarin, Daniel Elofsson, and Jonas Stromberg. Their first release, 04:13, on their own imprint is both a departure from and a reinvention of their past. Generally, 04:13 is more modern hard rock edging towards metal, having the two main characteristics of both, heaviness and harshness. This sound is only tempered by blended vocal arrangements, featuring Lotta Hoglin, which add a more melodic feel to the album. This may be the only hold over from the former Beseech days. Often, as on Stage 7, TMM can sound like an interesting amalgam of punk, hardcore, and metal.

In the end 04:13 is driven by monster riffs, a pounding rhythm section, and bold male/female vocal arrangements. It's a thunderous, near arena, rock sound that could invigorate the current maudlin modern hard rock genre, if they were somehow remarkably different from their peers. I'm not sure The Mary Major is bringing anything new that will distinguish them from the mob. Yet, songs like Morning Sickness or Split have almost radio friendly sensibility with catchy hooks within the heavy sound. Other songs, like 66 am, Time of Death, and The Moon Motel, are riff upon riff exercises in the ordinary. Nevertheless, The Mary Major have the potential to be real contenders in, and have the ability to recharge, the modern hard rock realm, especially in the American market.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

The Mary Major have the potential to be real contenders in, and have the ability to recharge, the modern hard rock realm, especially in the American market.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]