What makes Paper Blood by Royal Hunt notable?

Paper Blood received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, often noted for its intricate compositions and lyrical depth. The album helped maintain Royal Hunt's presence in the progressive metal scene during the mid-2000s, contributing to their sustained fanbase despite shifts in musical trends. Released in 2005, Paper Blood marked Royal Hunt's seventh studio album, showcasing their evolution in sound following a lineup change that introduced lead vocalist John West. This period represented a continued exploration of progressive metal after the commercial success of their earlier albums, further solidifying their reputation in the genre.

Who is Paper Blood for?

Paper Blood works well if you're into soaring vocals for emotional release, dynamic shifts in pacing and anthemic choruses for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Paper Blood?

Paper Blood has 12 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

Paper Blood

Royal Hunt · 2005

67 min · 12 tracks · progressive metal

Complex arrangements intertwine soaring vocals and heavy riffs, embodying the essence of progressive metal with melodic intricacies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Break Your Chains — This opening track establishes the album's powerful energy with anthemic choruses and dynamic instrumentation, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Never Give Up — With its motivational lyrics and soaring melodies, this track encapsulates the album's central themes of resilience and determination, resonating deeply with listeners.
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Kiss of Faith — This song stands out for its blend of emotional vulnerability and technical musicianship, highlighting the band's ability to merge lyrical depth with complex arrangements.
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Paper Blood — The title track features intricate guitar work and a compelling narrative structure, making it a focal point that showcases both lyrical storytelling and musical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions but lacks a strong cohesive flow across its length.

What we noticed

Vocals often soar over heavy guitar riffs, creating a dynamic contrast that is prominent throughout the record.
Several tracks incorporate instrumental interludes that shift the mood before returning to more intense sections, such as in 'Kiss of Faith' and 'Paper Blood'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

soaring vocals for emotional release
dynamic shifts in pacing
anthemic choruses for sing-alongs
reflective moments among powerful riffs
epic narratives across long tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, standalone songs
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2005, Paper Blood marked Royal Hunt's seventh studio album, showcasing their evolution in sound following a lineup change that introduced lead vocalist John West. This period represented a continued exploration of progressive metal after the commercial success of their earlier albums, further solidifying their reputation in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Symphony X· Dream Theater· Fates Warning