What makes X by Royal Hunt notable?

X received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its ambitious composition and musicianship. It helped solidify Royal Hunt's position within the progressive metal scene, appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners alike. Released on January 20, 2010, X is Royal Hunt's ninth studio album and marks a significant moment in their evolution. Following the departure of lead vocalist DC Cooper, the band sought to redefine their sound with new frontman Andreas Passmark, showcasing a blend of progressive metal and classical influences.

X works well if you're into theatrical soundscapes inviting immersion, dynamic shifts in emotional intensity and epic narratives with dramatic arcs.

How many songs are on X?

X has 12 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

X

Royal Hunt · 2010

54 min · 12 tracks · progressive metal

Symphonic melodies intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a cinematic soundscape that evokes both grandeur and introspection.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
End of the Line — This track features powerful vocal delivery paired with anthemic choruses, exemplifying the album's thematic exploration of perseverance and resilience.
→
King for a Day — With its dynamic shifts and theatrical arrangement, this song encapsulates the essence of the album's dramatic storytelling and musical complexity.
→
Army of Slaves — The heavy instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics create a compelling narrative about struggle and freedom, making it a standout moment on the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions and strong musicianship, appealing to both fans and newcomers.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and choirs, which enhance the cinematic quality of the sound.
The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a fast pace while others slow down to create moments of introspection.

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

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

theatrical soundscapes inviting immersion
dynamic shifts in emotional intensity
epic narratives with dramatic arcs
powerful crescendos for cathartic release

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 20, 2010, X is Royal Hunt's ninth studio album and marks a significant moment in their evolution. Following the departure of lead vocalist DC Cooper, the band sought to redefine their sound with new frontman Andreas Passmark, showcasing a blend of progressive metal and classical influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Symphony X· Dream Theater· Fates Warning