Royal Hunt is a progressive metal band influenced by classical music (and a little Dream Theater). The keyboard provides the orchestration, drums are dramatic and powerful, the vocals are not overwhelming, and the bass is pounding plus the guitars (sound so precise). This record is ever changing and no two songs sound alike. (I think I found my new vice). Released in December 2013, A Life to die For is Royal Hunt's eleventh studio album, not including the numerous live recordings and E.P.'s.
The opener "Hell comes down from Heaven" is a ride. The intro is reminiscent of the 70's movie Halloween with haunting keys. After that there is a short crescendo and the band breaks into the melody. Every note seems to revolve around you like a heavy metal dream. "A Bullet's Tale" features female vocals singing the first verse, but then the band comes in, DC Cooper (Vox) belts it out from there.
"Running out of Tears" is a nice change of pace. Musically it has a 1950's pop feel put to a modern hard rock ballad. Not too slow and not over-done. "One Minute Left to Live", "Sign of Yesterday", and "Wont Trust Wont Fear" are inspirational journeys as it forces you to do some soul searching and gives you courage to take on the world. The title track, neatly tucked away at the end of the set is a grand anthem for the underdog (That's you and me).
All in all, the band is really strong and tight, but the vocals seem to belong in a less aggressive band like maybe Yes, RUSH or heavy glam rock. But Royal Hunt's A life to Die For will have you air guitaring, head banging and leave you with a craving for Chopin and Beethoven. You can get Royal Hunt on iTunes or amazon.com. Order the physical CD or MP3 download. Check them out at royalhunt.com... You'll be glad you did.
Tim Duran, HMS
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