Melbourne power metallers Black Majesty return with their eighth album Oceans Of Black; the band’s first full-length in seven years. Hanny Mohamed (guitars/keyboards) gave us the lowdown on the new record, attempting to make inroads overseas as an Australian metal act, touring plans and more.
Brendan Crabb: It’s been several years between studio albums. Can you fill us in on what’s been happening in the Black Majesty camp?
Hanny Mohamed: Virtually straight after the Children Of The Abyss tour we had two members leave and [we] spent some time looking for the right new members. Once we had that sorted and were ready to go into the studio, COVID hit. Melbourne was one of the worst hit cities for curfew and we were in lockdown for so long we couldn’t get a booking into the studio to start the drums for over a year. Once we had finally started a few years ago, I had to take a lot of time off to assist my parents in their last days which took extra time, [and for] which I thank the band for their support and patience. All those factors together delayed the completion of the new album, but at the same time I’m very glad we did not rush it.
The new LP features many of power metal’s hallmarks – fast-paced passages, soaring vocals, ballads. Is it a case of the band has a signature sound and you attempt to refine it with each release?
We never think about what a song is going to sound like or have a plan of how it has to sound like. It’s just the way it comes out. For this album I can’t remember how many tracks were written, maybe about 25 tracks or more. We would just write a track, demo it and then see what the vibe is. Either we liked it or not. A lot of the times it will matter if it will fit and suit a melody John [Cavaliere, vocals] will have in mind. And if in the end it was not 100 per cent in the ‘like’ zone it would be disregarded and we would start another track.
Tell us about your three favorite tracks on the new album, and why.
“Oceans Of Black.” It is actually the last track we have written and surprisingly one of my favorites from our catalogue. I remember once the demo was completed and John had written the lyrics for it, we all said to each other, “that’s going to be the name of the new album.” “Set Stone On Fire.” I was really happy musically with how this one came out, and with the energy. John’s vocal work and the lyrics he conjured up for this one really hits the mark. And “Lucifer.” It has my favorite vocal chorus off the album and the third ending solo by our other guitarist Clinton [James Bidie] is fantastic.
When Black Majesty formed, it was almost prohibitively expensive for an Australian metal act to tour internationally and build a fan-base. And here we are a quarter of a century later, and various factors ensure that touring overseas remains a costly exercise. How difficult has it been for the band to get overseas and play shows?
It was fortunate that we had some help by signing with Limb, who were a strong power metal label. And we had a good start with our first album Sands of Time in 2003, which was well accepted and rated highly in the main metal magazines. By the second album Silent Company [2005] we were getting offers to play festivals and shows in Europe. Which at that point we would pay for our flights, but we were paid back from show payments.
By the third album Tommorowland [2007] we found ourselves getting invited to larger fests like Wacken and that was opening the doors for other shows. So, it wasn’t an expense, as any money spent would be recouped back by show payments and merchandise sales.
It feels like the band has its strongest following in Europe – is that the case?
Yes, it’s 100 per cent Europe. First of all our labels and management have been from Europe, and the music we play is mainly influenced by European metal bands. Recently we have seen a bit of a shift with North and South America showing a lot of interest. We hope that will mean we will finally head that way for some shows in the future.
What are the group’s touring plans for the new album?
We have already set our album launches for Australia. We will be playing Perth, Sydney and Melbourne in July. We have also started talks for some shows in Asia, possibly for late November. We will be looking to get back to Europe in early 2026 and hopefully other places we have yet to play at like North and South America. Fingers crossed.
On the Silent Company album, the band covered “Six Ribbons,” a hit song in Australia by late musician/actor Jon English. Did you ever interact with him before his death, or at least know if he heard Black Majesty’s version?
Amazingly, yes. We received a personal e-mail from Jon telling us he was proud of the version we made. He told us it was one of his favorite versions he had heard. He also informed us he was playing our heavy version in his live gigs in honor to us. We were also told he had written about our version in his book.
On a personal note, what new releases have you been enjoying lately?
I’m currently listening to Dream Theater’s Parasamonia, but also really looking forward to the new Helloween.
Any famous last words?
Stay safe and hopefully see you on the road in the future. Metal cheers from Melbourne, Australia.
(interview published June 20, 2025)
Watch Black Majesty – “Oceans Of Black” Video
