REVIEW : Odyssey Desperado – Don't Miss The Sunset (Lions Pride Music, 2018)

This can easily be THE album of the year! No doubt 'bout that! But let's see who is Odyssey Desperado. The mastermind behind this really amazing band is called Odysseas Karapolitis. Yep, this guy started all this back in 2014 in Athens, Greece. The missing pieces of the puzzle were completed with the addition of one of the best Greek voices in the genre Manos Fatsis and with the 'mighty' Bob Katsionis (Firewind, solo artist, e.t.c.) on the production the project took flesh and bones.

The extraordinary Paul Laine (Danger Danger) gave his helping hand regarding of the backing vocals and the result is this simply breathtaking opus which is entitled "Don't Miss The Sunset".

The whole album 'smells' late 80's melodic hard rock/AOR scene and recalls to bands such as Danger Danger, Bon Jovi, Survivor and Europe (in some parts). Just for the appetizer comes the first track with the title "Rush Of The Wave". This simply huge melodic hard rock gem puts you immediately into the album's spirit and leaves you hungry for more. "You And Me Against The World" reminds Danger Danger at their best with a chorus line enough to make you sing-a-long for days. The guitars by Odysseas are sharp, crunchy and inspired and everything in this track sounds perfect.

"Cruisin'" slows the tempo here with its nice mid-tempo rhythm while with "Dreams Die Hard" the band delivers a more early Bon Jovi-esque track that I loved it!! It's time for the first ballad of "Don't Miss The Sunset". "Can't Live Without You" is a song that features a more melancholic vibe in it, passionate and smooth vocals and a stunning melody to die for. For sure this one of the album's finest moments.

"Holding On To A Dream" is just pure melodic hard rock bliss, period! A fast-paced melodic rocker that takes no prisoners with with a killer hook line, amazing performances, the necessary late 80's vibe and guitar solo that leaves you breathless! With "Fragile" the band speeds-up a bit and delivers, once again, yet another highlight!!! Man, I just love this song!! The more Euro melodic hard rock influenced "Tomorrow You'll Be Gone" is solid while the last one, the epic "Wings Of Silk" closes this huge debut in such a great way.

Attention to each and every single fan of the melodic hard rock/AOR scene!!! Odyssey Desperado with "Don't Miss The Sunset" comes to set candidate for the album of the year! Yes, this album has it all; tons of melodies, amazing guitar work, excellent performances, hooks and choruses that will  send you to heaven and back again and killer songs that, believe me, will make your day!!!! So, please, do yourself a favor and don't miss the sunset............

Rating : 10/10