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"The Danes' first album without DC Cooper, "Fear" is a great success in the world of symphonic melodic metal."
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4/5
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You'll have to wait five minutes to hear John West's voice on the first track of the fifth album from Denmark's Royal Hunt. It's as if the ex-mates of his idolized predecessor, DC Cooper, wanted to keep their audience waiting. Learning of the singer's departure after "Paradox" was indeed a real cataclysm for fans. According to many, Royal Hunt would never recovers, as the frontman was the soul of the band. But no one is irreplaceable, and one American drove out another in 1999, the year "Fear" arrived on our decks.
The newcomer, whose vocals have a range not dissimilar to that of the revered DC Cooper - even if his charisma isn't quite up to scratch - wins his challenge with a band that delivers an album that's more progressive than its smaller brothers. Seven tracks make up the work, their average length flirting with seven minutes. It's fair to say that the band takes its time in distilling its moods, with long instrumental parts abounding and André Andersen having a field day on keyboards.
As the tracks are not compact enough, radio hits are rarer than in the past, and it takes longer than usual to get to grips with this opus, which is darker than usual. Beyond atmospheres that don't encourage cheerfulness, the lyrics are in tune, evoking war, addiction and loneliness. The structures are rich, shifting and symphonic, leading the work to develop its impact over time. Nevertheless, the melodies hit the nail on the head, with 'Lies' still sending shivers down the spine sixteen years on. This track is, no more and no less, THE melodic-symphonic metal track.
A milestone in the discography of Royal Hunt fans, "Fear" certainly deserves your attention, especially if you're a fan of the musical style developed. Royal Hunt is one of its finest jewels in terms of the class it exudes, and this album is no exception. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Fear 02. Faces Of War 03. Cold City Lights 04. Lies 05. Follow Me 06. Voices 07. Sea Of Time
LINEUP:
Allen Sorensen: Batterie Andre Andersen: Claviers Jacob Kjaer: Guitares John West: Chant Kenny Lubcke: Backing Vocals Steen Mogensen: Basse
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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Top of the page
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(1) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
5/5 (1 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (1 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH ROYAL HUNT
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT ROYAL HUNT
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