The Complete Package
Progged | Raleigh, NC | 12/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At least while DC Cooper was still there.I would love to have this voice! This is probably my favorite Royal Hunt album. The sound is slightly less refined (but that seems to be the intent of the production), and works amazingly well as a "rough around the edges" sound.River of Pain: excellent song... driving throughoutTearing Down the world: Sometimes I don't see why bands throw in a vocal sample as an interlude from track to track (as is done in transition with River of Pain). But for that, the song is exceptional. The punch/counterpunch of keyboards to guitar is phenominal.Message to God: A somewhat (hah!) bitter sounding song, perhaps a bit over the top on the keys, but hey - that my instrument, so it's not too much of a minus.Long Way Home/Final Lullaby - both very hauntingly melodic songs - lullaby is a great ending sequence, and Long Way, a great segue.Time Will tell - a good song, probably my least favorite song (lyrics sound too forced into their beats), but still will beat out many other bands best song!Silent Scream - my favorite song on the album... WOW - keyboards rule the day here. Who'd have thought a harpsichord would kick on a progressive album?Martial Arts - an instrumental on speed, adrenaline, and waaay to much caffine.... cool, huh?Too bad DC left after only a few albums with Royal Hunt, or they would compete with Dream Theater and Shadow Gallery for most airplay in the house/car/computer (much to my wife's chagrin, "TURN IT DOWN!")"
Incredible
Mike | Maryland | 06/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Royal Hunt is one of those bands (Savatage, King's X) that deserves greater attention in America, but is almost unheard of in the States. Their lead singer for this album is an American named DC Cooper. He came to many bands' attention after placing second behind Ripper Owens in the Judas Priest auditions. Ironically, although he can sound exactly like Rob Halford when he wants to, his normal voice is much different. He has incredible range, and I would go as far as to say that he is one of the best vocalists in rock today. André Andersen is fantastic at keyboards, and guitarist Jacob Kjaer always gives a fantastic, passionate solo in nearly every song. There are no bad or filler songs, the weakest being the 9:31 "Time Will Tell." "Message to God" is my personal favorate not only because of the music, but because the lyrics call out God for screwing so many people over; I have felt many of the same thoughts that are in the lyrics. "Silent Scream" and "Long Way Home" are also strongpoints on the album. My only complaint is that Andersen's keyboards are in the front of the mix, drowning out the guitar for most of the song except the guitar solos. In fact, this album could have used longer guitar solos and shorter keyboard solos, but this hurts the album only slightly. The bonus tracks are good, but not necessary, and do not continue the theme presented throughout the original album. "Paradox" shows a lighter side of prog-metal, but should appeal to fans of melodic metal and prog-rock as well. Very highly recommended."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1