PLACE VENDOME / THUNDER IN THE DISTANCE (2013)

One of the most successful and powerful melodic hard rock bands over the recent years is finally back with a new album! Place Vendome, the band that consists of Michael Kiske of the legendary Helloween, the 'mighty' Dennis Ward (bass, vocals and rhythm guitars), Uwe Reitenauer (guitars), Gunter Werno (keyboards) and Dirk Bruineberg (drums), are back with the brand new "Thunder In The Distance" release through Frontiers Records.

Following his stint with the band UNISONIC, Kiske decided to go back to the Place Vendome concept with more melodic rock oriented songs which once again have been selected by Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino from outside writers including Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear), Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius), Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline), Roberto Tiranti and Andrea Cantarelli (Labyrinth, A Perfect Day), Tommy Denander (Radioactive), Sören Kronqvist (Sunstorm, Issa), and Brett Jones.

The album kicks of with the amazing "Talk To Me", a track that has everything that a melodic hard rock fan could ask for; great harmonies, a melody to die for, a stunning guitar line and a catchy chorus line. There are some really inspired and extremely melodic rockers such as "Power Of Music",  "Never Too Late", "Thunder In The Distance" and "Heaven Lost" but, also, some AOR-ish mid-tempos like the brilliant "Maybe Tomorrow" or the ultra-catchy tune of "My Heart Is Dying" that showing great musicianship, a tight songwriting and overall a great sample of a such a great band!

Bottom line is that Place Vendome is back with a another solid album. If you are already a fan of this band, then "Thunder In The Distance" is a must add to your collection. But, also, if you are a fan of pure melodic hard rock sound with blistering guitar sound, big melodies, catchy choruses and powerful performances, go out and buy this little gem! Well-done!
Heavy Paradise's Rating : 8,5/10

Track List : Talk To Me; Power of Music; Broken Wings; Lost in Paradise; It Can’t Rain Forever; Fragile Ground; Hold Your Love; Never Too Late; Heaven Lost; My Heart is Dying; Breakout; Maybe Tomorrow; Thunder in the Distance.