This is the latest release from Royal Hunt that came out in 2022. It’s also studio album number 17. For a band to be going for 17 albums is remarkable, especially when most of that has been off the radar for most of the world.
I was a lover of early Royal Hunt, especially Moving Target and Paradox, two classic DC Cooper albums. I’m pleased he is back in the band, although that was a few albums ago. The additional vocalists on this record is confusing as Mark Boals, Matt’s Leven, and Henrick Brockman take leads on different tracks, although it’s hard to tell which ones.
Yes, it’s a concept record. It concludes here with part 2, and I think I read somewhere that it’s based on Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. It’s the usual Royal Hunt fare: lots of symphonic moments with keyboards being the main carrier of the song melodies, although this album feels a tad heavier with the guitars being quite prominent.
There are a couple of instrumental pieces that just about steal favourite track status, namely The Purge and Hit and Run with duelling keys and guitars, but I love the interplay and melody of The Key Of Insanity. A great track with the band at their symphonic best. Sometimes when they keep it simple like on One More Shot, you can see another career for them as a melodic rock band.
Lots to keep the listener entertained for many many spins.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
