Royal Hunt
Devil’s Dozen
Frontiers Music Srl
2015
I’ve never hidden my predilection on Royal Hunt. Those who keep in pace with GR do know that I’ve been following the band since the mid-90s when I first came across them. Their 2 previous albums “Show Me How to Live” in 2011 (which also marked the return of D.C.) and “A Life to Die For” in 2013 put the band back where it belongs… among the top melodic symphonic prog metal acts of the last 2 decades.
“XIII – Devil’s Dozen” marks the addition of the new drummer Andreas Habo Johansson in the band’s ranks. Other than that, there are no surprises here. André keeps creating wonderful music themes with his keys and Cooper still enchants us with his amazing voice. The song arrangements are brilliant as always and all the performances are great too. The production, which was delivered by André, once again, is full & very powerful on the whole.
So far so good. The album has its moments but I think that’s missing that “spark & substance” that the previous albums (with D.C.) used to have. The melodies are kind of nice but a bit flat at times and the interplay between the synth & guitar is not as intense as in the past. It may also be somewhat less heavy than the previous albums but that’s not something that bothers me… I do not fancy the fact that it’s not as memorable as is should be – judging by the Royal Hunt standards. Surely “XIII - Devil’s Dozen” is a good album but not at the same level as the last 2 albums of the band…
“XIII – Devil’s Dozen” marks the addition of the new drummer Andreas Habo Johansson in the band’s ranks. Other than that, there are no surprises here. André keeps creating wonderful music themes with his keys and Cooper still enchants us with his amazing voice. The song arrangements are brilliant as always and all the performances are great too. The production, which was delivered by André, once again, is full & very powerful on the whole.
So far so good. The album has its moments but I think that’s missing that “spark & substance” that the previous albums (with D.C.) used to have. The melodies are kind of nice but a bit flat at times and the interplay between the synth & guitar is not as intense as in the past. It may also be somewhat less heavy than the previous albums but that’s not something that bothers me… I do not fancy the fact that it’s not as memorable as is should be – judging by the Royal Hunt standards. Surely “XIII - Devil’s Dozen” is a good album but not at the same level as the last 2 albums of the band…