For me the ROYAL HUNT Tour, with the support of the Swedish melodic Progressive Metallers, CLOUDSCAPE, was a first choice package, as I have been a fan of both formations since their earliest career stage.
The show at Barcelona's
Bikini Club, epitomized a very intense bag of deep feelings, particularly as I experienced in the very same venue an incredible concert, it occurred fifteen years ago for the
"Paradox Tour", and I still cherish very much the remembrance of this amazing performance... And I have to say that the quality of the music played on this February 27th 2014 has nothing to envy to this great day of 1997, in fact the reunited
ROYAL HUNT with
DC Cooper still hold their genuine magic, the great professionalism of each player, the undeniable magnetism of the charismatic vocalist, his perfect set of pipes and a perfect setlist are the foundations of another night to remember.
The alchemy between the members seems to be heavenly from the opening riff until the final salute, the communication was flawless, the youngsters and the veterans in the audience shared the same emotional waves of sincerity which emanates from the stage.
Each new & legendary members is a virtuoso of its own right , the bassist
Per Schelander (
ASTRAKHAN) and the new axemaster
Jonas Larsen (in the true White Stratocaster legacy mode) both played their ass off ,
Allan Sorensen is still impressive behind his kit, the Maestro
Andre Andersen stuck in between a dual rack of keys is always imposing , generating a kind of serenity and of course the historic returning frontman
DC Cooper: majestic, in ultra-fine shape both vocally and physically, splendid and unforgettable in his pitch perfect singing but also his generosity and his kindness toward the crowd .
From "Message to God" to "Epilogue" , from "A Life to Die For" to "Cold City Lights" or "Last Goodbye" each and every era was covered in nice brilliancy by a band in the most solemn attitude that I had witnessed since a long time .
Setllist:1. Double Conversion
2. One Minute Left to Live
3. The Mission
4. Tearing Down the World
5. Hard Rain's Coming
6. Running Wild
7. A Life to Die For
8. Cold City Lights
9. Clown in the Mirror
10. Half Past Loneliness
11. Last Goodbye
12. Message to God
13. Hell Comes Down from Heaven
14. Instrumental mix
15. Epilogue
The support team CLOUDSCAPE were also tight and precise, the singer Michael Andersson (PLANET ALLIANCE / FULLFORCE / SILENT MEMORIAL) particularly, belting out tune after tune in perfection, they even performed an unreleased song called "A New Design".
I wish that I won't have to wait for another decade to enjoy the
ROYAL HUNT's absolute and beautiful baroque art craft... If you can catch them at a venue near you, please make you a self-favor and reserve your evening.
*Photography credit: David Sanchez
