Does one characteristic define any of us? The answer is no; we are all multifaceted, no thought is entirely pure, and we should embrace these differences. We may think we fit into one niche or another, but at the end of the day, are we holding back, trying to appease others?
A lot of questions each of us should ask when deciding to call ourselves this or that, in the way of music, there are many traps to fall into in terms of genre classification. Aware of this, Canadian-born Singer-Songwriter Royale Lynn has been told numerous times in her artistic journey – stick with what works, shifting styles will not work, and so on. Something that could not be very encouraging to anyone… Lynn is genuinely a lover of both Country and Heavy Metal music, so why not show it?
Initially ramping up her professional career in 2018 after relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, Lynn released some impressive Country music-style tunes, gaining attention. However, while Lynn indeed has an affection for Country music (growing up in a small town and enjoying Classic Country music), she also has fond memories of listening to Classic Heavy Metal and Alternative Metal in her younger years.
Two different sides of her creative self, around 2023, she began to let her Metal influences show more with songs like “Runs in the Water,” the wildly addictive “Redneck Rockstar,” and “Six Feet Deep.” Feeling her true self was coming to light, the biggest surprise came in 2024 with the substantially heavy single “DEATH WISH” (featuring Asking Alexandria’s Danny Worsnop). This was followed by “SACRIFICE” later in 2024, and “BATTLEGROUND” in early 2025.
At this point, it became evident that Royale Lynn was no longer listening to naysayers and was going for it. An inspiring tale of determination, fresh off a North American tour with Asking Alexandria, she unleashed her debut full-length album BLACK MAGIC on June 27, 2025, through Epitaph. An album that finds the singer-songwriter fully spreading her wings and letting go of some negative energy that has been weighing her down, there is a palpable heaviness throughout, both figuratively and literally.
A total of twelve tracks, including “DEATH WISH, “SACRIFICE,” AND “BATTLEGROUND,” there is still so much more here. This includes the catchy “GREED” and “E.V.I.L.,” which possess a very Modern Metal sound matched with an energetic rhythm and heartfelt singing from Lynn.
Textures that should appeal to fans of everything from Within Temptation to In This Moment, the album also boasts ample diversity, featuring the haunting title track, the mighty “DRAGON,” the fascinating “WITCH,” and the must-listen “INSIDE OUT.” However, no one should overlook the thought-provoking “WHEN WE DIE,” which raises questions about life and death that we all have, but at times are meant to feel foolish for asking.
In the end, Royale Lynn has done a fine job melding her soulful Country singing voice with Pop, Rock, and Modern Metal to create an album that is nothing less than an entertaining and enjoyable listen. No one can predict the future, but it should be a bright one for Royale Lynn as Cryptic Rock gives BLACK MAGIC 4 out of 5 stars.
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