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"With 'Master Of Illusions', Dennis Ward strikes a big blow and places Khymera at the top of the melodic AOR/Hard Rock."
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4/5
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The existence of Khymera is far from being a long quiet river. Beyond the multiple line-up changes of the band originally built around Daniele Liverani and Steve Walsh (Kansas), we can't say that what is now Dennis Ward's band (Magnum, Pink Cream 69, Unisonic, Place Vendome,...) is prolific. But this time, there is only one change, Pete Newdeck (Midnite City) replacing Felix Bohnke (Edguy) on drums.
If the previous album had left us a very good impression, the new one proves to be up to its level, even crossing an extra level because Dennis Ward's vocal asserts itself with class. Warm and slightly hoarse, it reminds us of Joe Elliott's (Def Leppard). Sheffield's band is not far away when the tempo slows down, whether on the typical mid-tempo 'Paradise' or on the poignant ballad 'Father To A Son', whose emotionally charged vocals sublimate the melancholy of the theme, namely the words of a father to his son on his deathbed. Mixed with Scandinavian-sounding keyboards, the eponymous title isn't far from the world of Def Leppard either, with its catchy chorus, melodic verses and pretty solo.
Navigating between a sometimes muscular AOR ('Walk Away', 'Victim Of Your Love'), sometimes more Wescoast ('After All This Time', co-written with Michael Palace), and a melodic hard rock ('The Sun Goes Down', 'Follow The Sun'), the rest of this opus always benefits from heady choruses and a flawless interpretation. Dennis Ward doesn't hesitate to indulge in more personal lyrics that reflect a positive state of mind. 'The Rhythm Of My Life' is euphoric with an unstoppable sense of refrain, while 'Just Let It Happen' is more aerial with keyboards with sounds worthy of Asia, while remaining optimistic and bewitching.
With 'Master Of Illusions', Dennis Ward strikes a big blow and places Khymera at the top of the melodic AOR/hard. The formation seems to have found its identity marked by the 80's but anchored in his time, finding his place between the Scandinavian big names of the genre and the US legends, while keeping a touch of Germanic identity that is sometimes reminiscent of Frontline. A success that makes us hope for more in shorter deadlines if possible. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Walk Away - 4:03
02. The First Time - 4:22
03. Master Of Illusions - 4:29
04. The Sun Goes Down - 4:34
05. Paradise - 4:12
06. The Rhythm Of My Life - 4:00
07. Follow The Sun - 4:37
08. Father To Son - 4:31
09. After All This Time - 3:52
10. Victim Of Your Love - 3:45
11. Let It Happen - 5:06
LINEUP:
Eric Ragno: Claviers
Dennis Ward: Chant / Basse
Michael Klein : Guitares
Pete Newdeck: Batterie
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READERS
-/5 (0 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (3 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH KHYMERA
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