Two years after "Discovery", the splendidly talented team that is Gathering Of Kings comes back for the third time and offers to all the fans of their melodic hard rock worthy of Phenomena: an "Enigmatic" that they were waiting for with impatience.
The dozen musicians who compose the combo are almost all faithful to the post. Among them, the six singers officiating on the previous opus have all answered present. As for the musical approach, it has not evolved one iota. The 80's style synths twirl, the easy listening melodies follow each other and the guitar soli sparkle to entice the listener. The exclusive fans of the genre, those who worship AOR in the purest Swedish tradition and cherish nice melodies are thus served!
After an introduction worthy of Space Art, the usual farandole begins. And at the end of the twelve tracks that follow, the 80's keyboard lover will be have his fill of vintage tracks. 'Vagabond Rise' has a melody that borders on a hit. Performed by Jonny Lindkvist, the singer of Nocturnal Rites, the track reminds of Treat's compositions. The Celtic flavors of 'How The Mighty Have Fallen' are also engaging and go well with the raucous tone of Masterplan's frontman Rick Altzy. And finally it should be said, a little shamefully though, that 'Feed You My Love', although it brings back to Abba, is a catchy track in which two of the singers of One More Time (Swedish pop band) give their support.
This "Enigmatic" is likely to divide the crowds. Perfectly calibrated by the most calm hard rock lovers, it risks to be put aside by the intransigent metalheads. Anyway, Gathering Of Kings will have to go out of his comfort zone if it wishes to gather a larger number of followers.