Cast in Stone

Cast in Stone is the fourteenth album, on which Royal Hunt brought together its characteristic symphonic keyboards, progressive development and powerful choruses into a tight set of songs. André Andersen's keyboards and D.C. Cooper's soaring voice cross with heavy guitar to create big drama. A construction balancing solemnity and approachability stands out. On songs like "Fistful of Misery" and "The Last Soul Alive," classical ornamentation and the drive of metal coexist naturally. Keeping the characteristically Royal Hunt quality longtime fans expect, it holds the songs' focus without becoming overly complex. Across all eight songs, tension and release, darkness and brilliance are skillfully placed. A fulfilling mature-period work that joined grandeur and clarity at a high level.