ALBUM REVIEW: ROYALE LYNN - BLACK MAGIC (27/06/25)
Royale Lynn has recently joined Epitaph Records and the alternative scene, with BLACK MAGIC being the newest addition to her heavier roster and her debut full-length album, releasing on 27 June 2025. Until now, her discography has consisted of singles, attracting a multitude of fans from different genres and encouraging the worlds of metal and country to collide. Her first single from 2021, ‘Rocket Man’, is quite the juxtaposition from the entirety of BLACK MAGIC, going to show that Royale Lynn is capable of doing anything.
The album starts with ‘GREED’, a strong opener with heavy, booming drums leading the way. This song was accompanied by a music video that carries striking gothic themes, bringing the fantastical track to life. The memorable hook in the chorus, “you always want more”, sticks in your head for a while after the song’s end. ‘GREED’ is certainly a mood setter for the whole album.
Next comes ‘E.V.I.L.’, a track laden with electronic effects and synths, as well as a clear message revolving around anxiety and depression. It’s safe to say that many listeners will be able to find a home within Royale Lynn’s music, as songs like ‘E.V.I.L.’ can show them that they are seen and not alone. Following this is ‘BLACK MAGIC’, the namesake of the album. It opens with piano notes that are reminiscent of Evanescence’s ‘Bring Me To Life’. Royale Lynn brings haunting and powerful vocals into the fray, bolstered by the aggressive guitars.
‘SACRIFICE’, another main single from the album, is another song brushing on the topic of mental health. Evocative lyrics are aplenty, especially in the chorus: “it holds me under ‘til I go insane, but that’s the sacrifice I’ve made”. Royale Lynn has effectively personified the dark thoughts that people can have when experiencing a crisis, and a lot of listeners will appreciate that. ‘PANDORA’S BOX’ has a comparably solemn tone to it, led by prominent drums and riffs.
‘DRAGON’ follows soon after, with a catchy chorus cementing it as a standout song in the album. It evokes the same tone as a villain song, fixating on revenge: “welcome to your brand new circle of hell”. Royale Lynn sings about the act of going scorched-earth on those who have wronged you.
‘WHEN WE DIE’ explores the idea of mortality, a universal experience that a lot of listeners will have already considered. Royale Lynn sings questions of what exactly happens when we pass away: “I need to know how it ends, is there really something after this?”, continuing on the morose theme that a lot of her songs have adopted in the album.
Next, ‘WTCH’ makes itself known with a standout energy that is reminiscent of artists like Nova Twins and Scene Queen with its recognisable drum pattern and vocals that exude a confident attitude. ‘DARK MODE’ also provides a unique blend of genres, as while the song is primarily rock, there are a lot of country music tropes, and the vocals have more of a country twang than other tracks in the album.
‘INSIDE OUT’ continues the relatability that Royale Lynn’s songs offer, as this potent track appears to be about the inability to move on after the end of a relationship: “why is your voice in my head so loud?”. The vocals in this song are especially impressive, brimming with passion and emotion.
‘DEATH WISH’, one of the heaviest songs on the album, features Danny Worsnop from Asking Alexandria. Both vocalists work well together; Danny Worsnop’s grittier screaming perfectly complements Royale Lynn’s clean harmonies.
The album is rounded off with ‘BATTLEGROUND’, an anthem for anyone who has experienced a toxic relationship. The lyrics represent the relationship as a war, fuelled by jealousy and hostility, with a lack of hope for any change.
Overall, Royale Lynn has created a safe space for people suffering from mental health problems and experiencing a void in hope. With BLACK MAGIC, people can feel heard and seen with their shared experiences.
BLACK MAGIC out 27 June via Epitaph Records, available on all streaming platforms.