This is Royal Hunt’s ninth studio album, released back in 2005. They have released seventeen studio albums overall: six live albums and various compilations and singles, but yet they remain virtually unknown out of mainland Europe. North America doesn’t seem to care and that to me is insanity. I would think their brand of prog/power metal would be lapped up, especially with the success of Trans Siberian Orchestra. The band was formed in ’89 by keyboardist and main man Andre Anderson, but is was three years later in ’92 that they released their debut album Land Of Broken Hearts.
Break Your Chains kicks things off with the sound of an orchestra tuning up before the epic keyboard intro bursts into a monster of an opening with pounding drums, searing vocals, and harmonies with maximum riffage on guitar. Phew!!! Not My Kind follows with a nod to Yes with the initial harmonies, then the heavy riff takes over with some epic soloing. Memory is instrumental number one with keyboards taking the main focus. Loving the Hammond at the intro to Never Give Up then the double kicks take over. Superb vocals and harmonies! A very different groove to Seven Days. Slowing the pace down somewhat, a very welcome change in pace. SK 983 is instrumental number two, and the pedal is fast down for this one. Kiss Of Faith is a hands-in-the-air anthemic beast. Paper Blood is next, and it has THAT riff. At least it’s in what context they use it that matters, and the main hook and melody are really cool. Seasons Change is the big power ballad on the album and the solo from Marcus Jidell is huge. Saving the best till last with close out track Twice Around The World. Huge fat riff, big keys, lots highs and lows, awesome solo, and incredible vocals. Superb ending to a great record. Half a point lost for that riff though.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
