Dreamcatchers

Released in 2014, Dreamcatchers serves as the definitive full-length statement for the Dutch metalcore outfit The Royal. Following their early EPs, this album solidified their signature sound: a blend of 'Rise Records-era' melodic metalcore with sophisticated orchestral layering. The album is notable for its high-profile guest features, including Ryan Kirby of Fit For A King and Shawn Spann of I The Breather, which helped bridge the gap between the European and American metalcore scenes. Sonically, the record is characterized by its high-fidelity production, featuring sharp, compressed guitar tones and prominent drum triggers that define the 2010s metalcore aesthetic. The Royal distinguishes themselves from their peers through a more frequent use of atmospheric interludes and symphonic arrangements, culminating in the fully orchestral reimagining of 'Origins'. Critically, the album was praised for its technical proficiency and its ability to maintain a high level of intensity without sacrificing melodic accessibility.