Loyal Rock Report readers will know that I have more than just a slight preference for D.C. Cooper when it comes to nominating favourite Royal Hunt vocalists. Since he left the band after the amazing "Paradox" album, we're speaking 1997, the band, formed by Danish keyboardist extraordinaire André Andersen, had lost much of its power and originality. Although it would be too easy to put all the blame on John West, it's clear that the soulful and softer voice of the Artension frontman who took over from Cooper had a great influence on the outfit's sound. That's why, after "Fear" (1999), "The Mission" (2001) and "Eyewitness" (2003), which were just good albums compared to Royal Hunt's earlier output, I didn't expect that much from "Paper Blood", the band's new, eighth album.
After only 1 spin, I had to change my mind. This album rocks! Is it because Marcus Jidell (The Ring, ex-Jekyll & Hyde) came to replace veteran Royal Hunt guitarist Jakob Kjaer? Is it that drummer Kenneth Olsen returned as a permanent member after 9 years of absence because of health problems? Or because the band's legendary choir is back in full force, including Maria McTurk and Kenny Lübcke? Each of the above will definitely have had its effect on the quality and freshness that "Paper Blood" is offering, but most of all it's the the power, accessible complexity and catchy songwriting that have returned. That and the impressive vocal performance by a seemingly reborn John West, who sounds as a blend of his softer self, Heartland's Chris Ousey and Eduard Hovinga of Prime Time and Elegy fame.
Tracks as opener "Break Your Chains", the fantastic "Never Give Up" that is reminiscent of the good ol' "1996" days, the carrying "Seven Days", the catchy title track and beautiful semi-ballad "Season's Change" prove that "Paper Blood" is Royal Hunt's best album since "Paradox" and abruptly brings them back at the top of the genre. This might well be the last time I start rambling about D.C. Cooper in a review of a Royal Hunt album ever! (SL)
 

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crusader (on 13/09/06) They are back! here is the melody and the soul!!!   vanluyk (on 28/08/05) this is fantastic stuff!!and they come to belgium!!!(spirit of 66)!!!   Gordy (on 28/08/05) Royal Hunt seem to be re-vitalised on this CD, and there seems to be a level of aggressiveness here that demands you sit up and take notice of this music. The best Royal Hunt album since "Fear".   Paiva (on 23/07/05) THESE GUYS FUCKING RULE, JONH WEST IS EMOTIONAL AND A TOP SINER AS THE REST OF HE BAND MR, ANDERSSON I SALUTE YOU..   stevevai111 (on 16/07/05) No, i dont think it's better than the prevoius release of the band. Unfortunately the new guitarist does not show more than Jacob. John West is one of my fav. singers, but he cannot show it on the RH albums. Actually i love this album very much (and all the other albums) but the paradox/moving t. cd-s are far better. I'm a bit strict, but i'm an old fan of the band so i can afford it. (Listen to Saidian's first album - not worse than this one)   HIBA (on 13/07/05) Yep, had the same feelings as Stijn on behalf of Royal Hunt, with that difference that I've left them for what they were after "Fear", still a much overrated album imo. But this one's a great "get-to-know-them-all over-again" album !!! Catchy melodies, great vocals and bombastic keys ! I don't think my album of the year will be an aor-one, if you know what I mean.   AOR Ive (on 2/07/05) I can only agree with Pompy and Stijn , as "Paper blood" is one of the better albums Royal Hunt has released so far . When I first listened to it , I immediatly heard they returned to the sound of "Moving target" with some more neo-classical influences . This is one of the better releases in the melodic metal genre and a contender for a top 25 position at the end of the year for me personaly .   Gloobey (on 24/06/05) Sorry, but you guys need to get out more! I was also looking forward to this album, and this review only made me want to hear it more. It came out here in Japan this week, so I grabbed a copy quick...only to find a very average album of the kind that is released all the time! Absolutely nothing sets this apart from hundreds of similar albums. What's all the fuss about, it's good but not that good!   GlenRavine (on 20/06/05) I don't know about this one. I was looking forward to it and after hearing it - well it didn't do it for me. West is great and the production is great but th emusic well it just didn't do it for me. Maybe I was expecting to much.   AORPOMPY (on 18/06/05) It's a fantastic year for this kind of releases ! Practically every release in the progressive/symphonic or neo-classical rock/metal is a winner. This is another winner. As usual the keys of maestro Andersen are bloody fantastic ! He's so dominant, and I'm a keyboard freak ! What do you want more, if the songs are good and with a class vocalist as John West ! ? Good CD !!! Recommended !

 

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