CLOWN IN THE MIRROR

Although I would like to give every Royal Hunt album I have a 5 star rating, some, just don't live up to the rest. Although this album is classic Royal Hunt I don't think it is as good as Paradox, or Moving Target. Still, it is an excellent addition to any collection, which is why I gave it 4 stars. Clown in the Mirror starts off with an epic symphonic intro that goes into Wasted Time, which once it picks up will keep you hooked and excited till the end. Next, Ten to Life starts out with a catchy western guitar sound followed by steady bass and nice vocals by Henrikk Brokmann. Then comes a Royal Hunt staple, a catchy chorus with harmonized vocals. Later in the album we are treated to a beautiful ballad, Clown in the Mirror. After we get past a brief instrumental we come to a series of songs that I believe may point out Royal Hunt's biggest problem. Although I love their sound they have not strayed from there core sound much in all there years, and this is apparent in tracks 6-9. Although they are all good songs at this point in the album you will realize you either love Royal Hunt or not, but if you do your in luck, because there are a bunch of other albums you will also love. However I don't think Royal Hunt stays as tight between albums as say Symphony X, but the core sound is definatly there. Even though the core of Royal Hunt is apparent through most of their music I still believe Epilouge stands out as an excellent track on the album.