ROYAL HUNT – Behind The Curtain [Limited Edition Japan CD + Euro Exclusive Bonus] (2025) *HQ*

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Melodic Metal / Hard Rock / Progressive institution ROYAL HUNT have released what the call a ‘double disc Maxi Single’, in fact an Extended Play / EP titled “Behind The Curtain” – a project brought to life by the overwhelming support of their global fanbase.
Released at the end of 2025 by themselves on physical CD only available in bundle packages, the only standalone CD version is this Japanese Edition. However, the Asian edition lacks an extra track present in the European pressing.
The EP includes the track ‘Ride Into The Sunset’ that didn’t make it into the final track list of ROYAL HUNT’s last studio album 2022’s ‘Dystopia’, but it’s just as good as anything on the album. Up next a pair of live tracks from 2023 with immaculate sound quality.
Following that are two acoustic tracks drawn from an impromptu session at a bar. The song ‘Half Past Loneliness’, originally found buried in ‘Show Me How To Live’ (2011), is really having a renaissance. It really lends itself to this upbeat acoustic version.
Lastly and most intriguingly is a remixed, remastered version of ‘Fistful Of Misery’ from ‘Cast in Stone’. André Andersen was never quite satisfied with his own mix in the album so he experimented and re-did this song. This is the extra track not found on the Japanese CD.

“Behind The Curtain” is an unexpected surprise and a treat to let the fans know Royal Hunt are still alive and kicking with this packed and valuable EP.
As a final side note, fans may recall that in 1996, 2006 and 2016 the band released double live albums, called respectively, 1996, 2006, and 2016! If the Metal godz are with us, could these new live tracks appear on a new double live album next year… called 2026? One can hope!
Meanwhile, “Behind The Curtain” is more than a fine listen. Highly Recommended

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【Ｋ ＩＣＰ～94101】

01 – Ride Into The Sunset (Single Version)
02 – The Mission (Live 2023)
03 – Last Goodbye (Live 2023)
04 – Half Past Loneliness (Acoustic Version)
05 – Sign Of Yesterday (Acoustic Version)
Euro bonus track:
06 – Fistful of Misery (Remixed)

Vocals – D.C. Cooper
Keyboards – André Andersen
Bass – Andreas Passmark
Drums – Andreas Johansson
Guitar – Jonas Larsen

BUY
cdjapan.co.jp/product/KICP-94101