Is By Royal Decree a good place to start with The Flower Kings?

Yes, By Royal Decree is recommended as a starting point for new The Flower Kings listeners. Ethereal melodies intertwine with dynamic instrumentation, creating an immersive progressive rock experience that feels both expansive and intimate. By Royal Decree marks The Flower Kings' return after a five-year hiatus since their last studio album, desolation Rose in 2019. This album showcases their continued evolution while staying true to their roots in the progressive rock genre, as they explore complex themes and intricate compositions. Released amidst a resurgence of interest in prog rock, it further solidifies their legacy within the scene.

Who is By Royal Decree for?

By Royal Decree works well if you're into dynamic journey with varied peaks, wave-like pacing for deep engagement and evocative storytelling throughout tracks.

How many songs are on By Royal Decree?

By Royal Decree has 18 tracks, running approximately 92 minutes.

By Royal Decree

The Flower Kings · 2022

92 min · 18 tracks · progressive rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with dynamic instrumentation, creating an immersive progressive rock experience that feels both expansive and intimate.

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Top tracks — play these first

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World Gone Crazy — This track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of societal issues with a blend of catchy hooks and intricate solos, making it emblematic of their style.
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The Great Pretender Start here — Opening the album with rich harmonies and complex arrangements, this track sets the stage for the sonic journey that follows.
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Revolution — The song's powerful lyrics and driving rhythm reflect a call for change, resonating with listeners seeking deeper meaning in contemporary music.
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A Million Stars — With its lush soundscapes and emotional depth, this track showcases the band's ability to blend melodic beauty with technical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases complex compositions and strong craftsmanship typical of progressive rock, with notable depth for repeat listens.

What we noticed

The album features several tracks that exceed the eight-minute mark, allowing for extended instrumental passages and thematic development.
The use of layered harmonies and intricate guitar solos throughout the record adds depth to the arrangements, enhancing its progressive rock identity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with varied peaks
wave-like pacing for deep engagement
evocative storytelling throughout tracks
immersive experience for reflective moments
rich melodies for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality after a hiatus, affirming their relevance in contemporary music.
Themes: societal upheaval· progressive rock legacy
Career context: By Royal Decree marks The Flower Kings' return after a five-year hiatus since their last studio album, desolation Rose in 2019. This album showcases their continued evolution while staying true to their roots in the progressive rock genre, as they explore complex themes and intricate compositions. Released amidst a resurgence of interest in prog rock, it further solidifies their legacy within the scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Transatlantic· Spock's Beard· Yes