Paradox

Royal Hunt | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 23, 1997)
• Original Release Date: September 23, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Magna Carta
• ASIN: B000003ZBG
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,313 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Detritus Web 5/23/01

like a mix of Yngwie Malmsteen and Dream Theater by way of Styx.

Product Description

The sound of the wind sweeps you into Royal Hunt's latest album, "Paradox". Driven by grandiose keyboards and searing guitars, this album has enough musical twists and turns to keep the listener glued to their headphones. The influences are numerous as rock and classical footnotes merge in the undertow. This incredibly mature album can be appreciated by the music lover and the musician alike. These five musicians pull together Andre's deeply personal look into mankind's view of what God is. Follow man's acknowledgment of God in a journey through the ages. How we see God, how we praise God, how we blame God.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Paradox: Neo-classical Dream Theater?, April 17, 2000

By 

Joe White (Layton, Utah United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paradox (Audio CD)

Well, yeah -- kinda, sorta.

Royal Hunt would be best described as a neo-classical/progressive metal band. To my ears, Royal Hunt is a pretty even mix of Dream Theater, Shadow Gallery and neo-classical rock. People often compare Royal Hunt's neo-classical side to Yngwie Malmsteen. But it is the keyboards, courtesy of Andre Andersen (Royal Hunt's main songwriter), that give Royal Hunt a neo-classical sound, not the guitar. The guitar is more straight forward, kinda reminding me of George Lynch's style of playing at times.

This is a very good cd which borders on greatness from time to time.

D.C. Cooper should also be noted for his excellent vocals. I think of him as an even mix of Mike Baker (Shadow Gallery), James LaBrie (Dream Theater) and Dennis DeYoung (Styx) when it comes to his voice. That's a dang good combination.

The songs are a bit too much alike at times but they are good. Many "progressive" bands like to indulge in instrumental excessiveness but Royal Hunt never goes overboard. They come close but they never cross the line that seperates technical silliness from tasteful instrumentals.

Good album.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fabulous Concept Album, July 22, 2001

By 

"elpfan09" (Burke, Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paradox (Audio CD)

Wow. The first time I heard this album, it blew me away. This is one of the few progressive concept albums that I have that you can really "get" on the first listen. The liner notes do help, explaining Andre Andersen's view on the hypocrisies present in religion. Please note that this isn't an anti-religious statement, just the radical approaches that some take in the name of God. "God does not create evil, only man does..."
Anyway, back to the music. Fabulous. The opening track feature the recurring "long way home" motif. The next 3 tracks are incredible rockers with killer choruses and vocals. D.C. Cooper is amazing. This album is filled with powerful songs and lyrics that do not let up throughout.
The album also has 2 tracks that are not part of the main concept. The first is the instrumental "Martial Arts," followed by "The Final Lullaby." Both are just as great as the other songs, showing how well the band can work outside of a concept-album environment. Overall, a great prog album.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete Package, November 30, 2003

By 

Progged (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paradox (Audio CD)

At least while DC Cooper was still there.

I would love to have this voice! This is probably my favorite Royal Hunt album. The sound is slightly less refined (but that seems to be the intent of the production), and works amazingly well as a "rough around the edges" sound.

River of Pain: excellent song... driving throughout

Tearing Down the world: Sometimes I don't see why bands throw in a vocal sample as an interlude from track to track (as is done in transition with River of Pain). But for that, the song is exceptional. The punch/counterpunch of keyboards to guitar is phenominal.

Message to God: A somewhat (hah!) bitter sounding song, perhaps a bit over the top on the keys, but hey - that my instrument, so it's not too much of a minus.

Long Way Home/Final Lullaby - both very hauntingly melodic songs - lullaby is a great ending sequence, and Long Way, a great segue.

Time Will tell - a good song, probably my least favorite song (lyrics sound too forced into their beats), but still will beat out many other bands best song!

Silent Scream - my favorite song on the album... WOW - keyboards rule the day here. Who'd have thought a harpsichord would kick on a progressive album?

Martial Arts - an instrumental on speed, adrenaline, and waaay to much caffine.... cool, huh?

Too bad DC left after only a few albums with Royal Hunt, or they would compete with Dream Theater and Shadow Gallery for most airplay in the house/car/computer (much to my wife's chagrin, "TURN IT DOWN!")