Eyewitness

Eyewitness is the seventh album on which Royal Hunt, layering weighty, precise keyboards, hard guitar and soaring vocals, builds a grand, cinematic expanse. It is the last studio work of the period John West belonged. While holding a complex, elaborate construction, at its center clear, memorable melody is always placed, and the songs move extremely smoothly between tension and release. A record where the band’s mature expression shines. From the powerful drive of the opener “Hunted” and the drama of the dramatic “The Prayer” to a cut like “Edge of the World,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Can’t Let Go” and “Burning the Sun” convey the work’s fullness. Symphonic, gorgeous color largely enfolds the whole playing, yet the rhythm’s powerful drive is by no means lost. A truly Royal Hunt-like record binding outstanding playing technique and rich songcraft at an extremely high balance. John West’s powerful voice powerfully supports that grand world. An engaging symphonic-metal work capping the fullness of John West’s tenure — after which the band would welcome yet another new vocalist. A record showing the band’s maturity.