Since their formation in the late eighties Royal Hunt the hard rock/metal group with quite the distinctive sound have been a name associated with so many alluring recordings. Now Royal Hunt have recorded their thirteenth studio album which is also the third with vocalist D.C. Cooper after his welcome return to the band. I sure was disappointed to read of his departure from Silent Force, but on the flip side Cooper's reuniting with Royal Hunt certainly gave me a renewed enthusiasm in the band and after all he did play a role on two of their most revered albums.
While Royal Hunt have implemented some changes the new album XIII – The Devil´s Dozen doesn't represent a radical change in the band's melodic/symphonic style and that classic Royal Hunt sound is present like on catchy opener "So Right So Wrong". As expected Andre Andersen's keyboards still play a substantial role though the other instruments do put on an impressive showing also, including their super tight rhythm section. It has always been a delight listening to D.C Cooper and his dynamic vocal range and that is still very much the case right here. And when talking Royal Hunt you can't not mention those wonderful backing vocals, they remain a most welcome component on memorable numbers such as the slow and powerful "Until The Day" and the very catchy melodic rocker "How Do You Know". You may think that with eight tracks including a bonus number the XIII – The Devil´s Dozen comes up short on playtime, though given the duration of many that isn't an issue, and really there's enough variety and plenty of that Royal Hunt musical charm to keep you returning for more.
Track Listing
1.So Right So Wrong
2. May You Never (Walk Alone)
3. Heart On A Platter
4. A Tear In The Rain
5. Until The Day
6. Riches To Rags
7. Way Too Late
8. How Do You Know (bonus track)
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