After more than a decade and several albums in between, the Danish progressive metal band Royal Hunt is doing a sequel to Paradox. The band also has a new vocalist. Gone is John West, replaced by Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring Of Fire).
Collision Course: Paradox II is pretty typical Royal Hunt. Their music has a lot of orchestral elements, using strings and other instruments to add depth and atmosphere. There are plenty of guitars, with some pretty good solos as well. The songs are progressive with good musicianship, but also have memorable riffs and hooks.
Boals is a great addition to the band. He has a powerful voice with a lot of range and emotion. There are also some very well done backing vocals and harmonies. Royal Hunt aren't one of the best known progressive metal bands, even though they've been around since the early '90s. With Collision Course: Paradox II they are well on their way to changing that.
(released May 20, 2008 on Magna Carta)
