Sunday, November 15, 2015

REVIEW : KHYMERA / The Grand Design (2015)

KHYMERA started out as a project between Italian producer/musician, Daniele Liverani and then KANSAS singer Steve Walsh. Nowadays, the band is already releasing its fourth official record with the title "The Grand Design". This is the band's third album with Pink Cream 69's bassist Dennis Ward as a singer. And, if you ask my opinion, I would say that Ward is doin' a damn fine job regarding the vocals.

While known as a bassist, Dennis always sings background vocals with his bands, so it was quite interesting for many fans to hear his voice taking the lead on the Khymera albums “A New Promise” and “The Greatest Wonder”.

Musically, "The Grand Design" follows the last two records to the same melodic, up-tempo and in-your-face AOR paths. The opening tune of "Never Give Up On You" is pure melodic rock heaven; it has a melody that sticks into your mind at once and a chorus that blows it! "Tell Me Something" and "Say What You Want" are both very nice melodic rock songs while in "I Believe" we have another highlight out of the new record. It's pure 80's, it includes a very beautiful melody and Dennis Ward vocals are simply breathtaking! "A Night To Remember" kicks-off with powerful keyboards and a 'crunchier' guitar riff and explodes into a melodic rock monster! "Land Of Golden Dreams" is a very good power ballad while in "Where Is The Love" we have a so emotional and beautiful song.

If you love the last two records of KHYMERA, then you' ll love this one as well! A top class AOR stuff that achieves to offer a polished and well-played melodic rock with soaring vocals, a tight musicianship, a bunch of some killer tracks and an 80's feeling all over the project!

Rating : 8,5/10

Track Listing :
Never Give Up On You; Tell Me Something; Say What You Want; I Believe; A Night To Remember; She’s Got The Love; Land Of Golden Dreams; The Grand Design; Streetlights; Who’s Fooling Who; Finally; Where Is The Love.



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