Dystopia Part II

Dystopia Part II is a grand sequel that digs more deeply into the dystopian story continuing from the previous Dystopia, with André Andersen’s layered, gorgeous keys and classical construction. As the latter half of the concept inspired by Fahrenheit 451, the story finally heads toward its ending. While firmly keeping the lift particular to melodic metal, it carefully stacks suite-like grand developments, tense riffs and theatrical vocals, further heightening its world’s density. Resuming the story from the opener “MIDWAY (Resumption),” from the powerful “Thorn in My Heart” and the drama of “The Key of Insanity” to cuts like “Live Another Day,” “The Purge” and “One More Shot,” the songs powerfully inherit the first half’s story and tightly connect to its ending. D.C. Cooper’s dramatic singing powerfully drives the story. A dignified latter half that splendidly answers listeners seeking both narrative and the gorgeous, grand scale of the playing. By listening through both halves, the grand concept’s whole picture comes clearly into view. An engaging, powerful work again displaying Royal Hunt’s mature skill as a concept author — a record on which the grand story finally concludes.