Devil's Dozen

Devil's Dozen is the thirteenth album, on which Royal Hunt layered solemn keyboards, hard guitar riffs and dramatic vocals to deeply dig into a classical metal world. It was made centered on André Andersen (keyboards) and D.C. Cooper (vocals). The songs proceed over a heavy foundation, with keyboards and guitar handing off the melody. On songs like "So Right So Wrong" and "May You Never (Walk Alone)," the royal-road design heading toward big choruses coexists with uneasy harmonies and complex rhythms. Because of this, while gorgeous it does not become too sweet, widening its grandeur while keeping tension. Concise at seven songs, the drama of each is dense. A record with plenty to listen to, suited to those who like symphonic, intelligent metal.