Band:	Royal Thunder
Album:	Crooked Doors
Style:	Heavy metal, Stoner metal
Release date:	April 2015

01. Time Machine
02. Forget You
03. Wake Up
04. Floor
05. The Line
06. Forgive Me, Karma
07. Glow
08. Ear On The Fool
09. One Day
10. The Bear I
11. The Bear II
12. Ear On The Fool [demo] [Deluxe bonus]
13. Forget You [demo] [Deluxe bonus]
14. Forgive Me, Karma [demo][Deluxe bonus]
15. Glow [demo] [Deluxe bonus]
16. Time Machine [demo] [Deluxe bonus]

One of the most truly captivating albums I've heard in a long time, Royal Thunder unleashes a stunning and very personal sophomore record. Sharp in both its simplicity and range, this amazing blues/rock/groove concoction is summed up in one word: intimate. Even on the first listen, before all lyrics are absorbed, vocalist Mlny Parsonz's stories of loss invoke specific experiences, memories, and emotions. She absolutely plumbs the depths of the human experience with her wailing voice.

It actually feels like they're all baring their souls to me, personally. The storytelling in the lyrics and vocals is so intimate, and the instruments very much support that aspect. The drums and eerie, bluesy guitar musically assist the delivery of true, experienced emotion, showing both tender playing at times and harsh, honest delivery at others.

The strongest feelings at present are sorrow and regret, with an underlying freedom in the music and harmonies. Mlny Parsonz and Josh Weaver are no longer married but still writing and playing music together. They have not had easy lives thus far, though these last few years sound like they were exceptionally painful. Many of these songs seem directly or indirectly related to loss, and some to the new life that begins after a loss. It may not be free of sorrow, but it's free. The struggle and darkness is very real in the music this time around.

Many of us fell in love with Royal Thunder for their bluesy blend of styles plus the unique and unreal voice of Mlny Parsonz. But through all those great vocals, never forget that Mlny is an absolutely fantastic bass player. Don't let that captivating voice fool you into thinking she just plucks a few strings every now and then. No, she absolutely lays waste to her stringed instrument. Seeing the band live is a life-changing experience, watching her manipulate her fingers to continuously play complex chords, deepening the musical texture, while wailing out those lyrics.

Crooked Doors is a completely different experience than debut CVI, and while I loved that album greatly, I can easily say this is a cohesive step forward for the talented band. The debut was a collection of awesome songs that could start to feel a little long when taken as one listen. This new record holds me until the last note and often requires a second complete spin. It's very streamlined, yet still offers new variety not previously heard. Just to name a few, excellent track "Floor" closes with a surprise southern hymn-inspired siren song; "Forgive Me, Karma" has a spooky and mysterious vibe with an eastern guitar melody; "One Day" is an unexpectedly classic-style anthem; and closing "The Bear" tracks are piano-driven blues ballads that show the band far beyond their gritty rock we've come to love. There are few upbeat "you're no, no good!" type sing-a-long opportunities with Crooked Doors; this record is more introspective than outwardly anything.

Through it all, I'm especially impressed by how the interesting and well-played drums and percussion so appropriately back up each story. They're prominent in the mix, which is great for the aural textures, but never overtake the sound; actually the opposite: each drum hit or percussive tap astutely highlights each lyric, each emotion. Despite these great performances and captivating songwriting, the star of the show here really is that emotion.

At the end of each listen I feel like I just watched some beautiful and inspired film with a sad ending, a sad ending I new was coming the entire time yet very much relished.

"I'm looking for a time machine." So am I, Mlny, so am I.