Royal Hunt´s 13th studio album – Devil´s Dozen – stays very true to the original, larger-than-life Royal Hunt sound: with imaginative instrumentation, intricate arrangements, soaring vocals and catchy, massive choruses. Yet the addition of classical musicians/instruments and contemporary, modern day production elements twist the outcome into a unique sonic palette.The band holds tight to the format which defined rock – an album chockfull of carefully crafted songs, recorded and mixed by a team of professionals who know how to combine crystal clear sonics with a weighty punch. Royal Rock… no substitutes!

Fortunately, the unique atmosphere which drew me to the debut, is carried through here, and explored further. The personal lyrics, laced with self-doubt, possess a deep sense of melancholy and fully bloom when Timo Kotipelto, of Stratovarius fame, belts them out with an impressive amount of passion. Passion is really what makes the music work, as it is all-embracing and completely convincing. I find that the whole album emits a radiance of melancholy, deep and soulful.