New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Classic and Progressive Rock

Magoria: JTR1888 Review.

Magoria JTR1888Now, whilst NWOBHM has been my musical mistress since 1978 or so, progressive rock isn’t far behind. Also, I’m a stone cold sucker for a double-concept album. And in Magoria’s magnificent JTR1888 we have one the finest examples of that genre you’re likely to hear. Done and done.

It explores the still thorny, controversial topic of Jack the Ripper and one of the lines of theory that Jack had Royal connections. Is that true? – it remains unknown/unproven to this day as does Jack’s identity.

Magoria originate from Holland and have put together a superb ensemble cast of musicians and singers.

Arjen Lucassen and his Ayreon projects have a similar style and usually set the standard for expansive prog. However with JRT1888, Magoria have out-Arjened Arjen.

The Ayreon influences are here, but Magoria forge a style of their own with, generally speaking, a consistently harder and, given the subject matter, darker feel to it than Ayreon.

The storyline is told throughout in a way which takes the listener back to nineteenth century London painting a picture in the mind’s eye of how it much have looked back then – and felt with a mass-murderer on the loose.

Atmospheric is one word for it. Immersive is another. So skilfully done.

Musically it rangers from gentle pastoral prog to full on heavy metal and everything in between. Progressive, symphonic, ripping guitars, soaring and sympathetic vocals. The proverbial kitchen sink and then some has been thrown in.

Check out Annie Chapman – this one tells the story of poor Annie who was one of Jack’s victims.

The storytelling is cleverly done lyrically too. And the production job is masterful.

A double-CD set clocking in at around ninety minutes might seem like a big ask for your attention span. Don’t sweat it.

Sit down, forget about the garbage which is on the tele, fire this up and lose yourself in it.

The time flies by. Ignore your phone, texts, social media too. No interruptions. And please don’t use the skip or random order buttons. Allow yourself the pleasure of immersing yourself in Victorian London and allowing the concept to run in order.

Prog/metal this good doesn’t come along often. When it does, it’s a treasure to be savoured.

>> MAGORIA JTR1888 AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON HERE <<

Please support us and buy us a coffee:
Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.com