ALBUM REVIEW: Deathwatch – The Royal

The likes of KING DIAMOND and VOLBEAT have comfortably sat atop the Danish metal mountain for the last couple of decades but over recent years a new wave of hungry artists are vying for the crown. One example of this is metalcore quintet THE ROYAL and with the impending release of their third full length Deathwatch, they are hoping to steal some of the spotlight.

Pariah comes out of the gate all guns blazing with a thumping beat and dark tones to set the pace. The seamless interchange between vicious growls and raspy screams enhances the energy exuded from the track. Savages provides a gloomy atmosphere with crunchy, downtuned riffing and a quick tempo. The melodic layering combined with the jarring breakdown that follows ensures the intensity is maintained throughout. State Of Dominance introduces keyboard segments to create a dramatic ambience around the hardcore tinged guitar work. The hard-hitting punches show no sign of losing any momentum.

Soul Sleeper ups the ante with sprinting riffs and vibrant drum work whilst incorporating subtle lead work to elevate the atmosphere. The emotive tones interwoven with the groove ridden sharpness display an effective narrative to the track. Title track Deathwatch unleashes a powerful wave of instrumentation before taking a more tense, suspenseful path. Echoing riffs combines with venomous screams to produce some of the most captivating moments thus far. Exodus Black sees the adrenaline fuelled vigour return once more as you are immersed in waves of swift drum beats and frenzied guitar work. Further theatrical elements are unveiled along the way to boost the variety of the track.

Nine For Hell unleashes a barrage of bludgeoning riffing with hints of addictive melodies to take the edge off the carnage. The savage growls dispelled are loaded with pure disgust and appropriately complement the overall vibe of the track. Lone Wolf opens with a solemn atmosphere and restrained tempo before revving up for another round of potent guitar work. The vibrant drum fills assist in elevating the energy levels as Deathwatch approaches the closing stages. Avalon throws some alluring, jabbing grooves and eccentric keyboard work into the mix to keep the intensity hitting optimum levels. This track cries out to be played live as visions of limbs flailing in every direction are frequently generated. Glitch has quite big shoes to fill following that onslaught but it holds it own with a final foray of intricate riffing and boisterous potency.

THE ROYAL have gained a reputation for their ability to effortlessly combine crushing breakdowns and energetic melodies and Deathwatch is a prime example of this. Previous release Seven greatly increased their stranglehold on the metalcore division but Deathwatch has brought them to the forefront of the pack. Metalcore has a tendency to become stale over the course of an entire album but THE ROYAL have incorporated a variety of inviting elements to ensure the album stays refreshing and will have you coming back for more.

Rating: 8/10

Deathwatch is out now via Long Branch Records.

Like THE ROYAL on Facebook.