A lot of the progressive metal genre seems to seek to combine heavy metal music with classical. This disc is one of the most successful examples of that effort. Indeed, frequently on the disc the two musical forms are intertwined in such a way as to be nearly inseparable (give a listen to “Makin’ a Mess”). At other points the disc seems to flow very smoothly from one element to the next. The success that the group had with this synthesis, combined with strong writing and arrangements and just plain solid musicianship, are what makes this disc one of the best of its genre. D.C. Cooper was, and still is, one of the most powerful voices in heavy metal — in fact, in rock in general. The remainder of Royal Hunt’s lineup at the time of this recording was Steen Mogensen, Kenneth Olsen, Jacob Kjaer, and André Andersen. Looking for comparisons on this album, you might hear things that remind you of such bands as Deep Purple and Queensrÿche. If you are a fan of progressive metal, particularly the neo-classical variety, you are doing yourself a disservice if you have not yet checked out this album. It is one of the finest the genre has to offer. – Gary Hill