Denmark-bred
Royal Hunt -- known since 1991 for its fusion of heavy metal and classical -- uphold their reputation as leaders of modern prog on
Paper Blood. Not unlike
Queensrÿche or the 1980s-era version of
Deep Purple, the band's sound is visualized by founding keyboardist Andre Andersen and fronted by able vocalist
John West as the expressive "Break Your Chains" and the positive thump of "Never Give Up" attest. Bookended by complex instrumentals, this is theatrical metal. Fans of this ilk -- from
Saga to
Whitesnake -- will relish in
Paper Blood.
Royal Hunt may not be very stylish, but they serve their disciples well.