Khymera's Master of Illusions (Album Review)

Khymera is another fantastic project band from the Frontiers Record label. The concept has evolved over the years. But the constant force driving the music in recent years is a gentleman by the name of Dennis Ward. Ward has worked with both Pink Cream 69 and the mighty Magnum. Prior to Khymera, Dennis was more of a background vocalist. He's evolved into a formidable singer with a passionate delivery who also handles the bass guitar. The band is ready to release their 5th album and their first effort in nearly 5 years.

The comparisons are easy to make. Def Leppard, Journey, Signal, 707. These are reference points to this music but it doesn't tell the whole story. This is certainly today's modern melodic rock. There are driving guitars, relentless drumming and Ward's potent vocals. Guitarist Michael Klein provides a certain crunchy, locomotive presence that propels these songs to a higher place. Also of note is veteran keyboardist Eric Ragno. He repeatedly demonstrates good taste in where he decorates these songs with varying degrees of classic and modern keyboard sounds. Drums are handled by Pete Newdeck who keeps perfect time with the aforementioned keys and guitars. This is a strong, seamless tandem of professional musicians making memorable and unique melodic rock.

"Walk Away" is the lead off track and first single and it is a fairly upbeat rocker with a smattering of lush vocal touches and Ragno's modern keyboard flourishes.  "The First Time" is firmly rooted in the 80's rock tradition with a slow introduction followed by a more mid-tempo pace. The chorus is peppered with "whoa-o's" that are all well placed. Klein's guitar solo is melodic and fits perfectly. The more Dennis Ward sings, the more you might think Joe Elliott or someone like Joe is lurking in these grooves. The album's title song is infused with some progressive keyboard flourishes and a somewhat airier musical landscape. Khymera clearly has it's own sound. There are other recognizable touch points, but the production straddles a line between pop and progressive.

Another example of this is on the next track, "The Sun Goes Down". Same M.O. but with some new-wave influences. Much of it has to do with the way the guitars and keyboards co-mingle. "Paradise" is a track that opens some doors both musically and lyrically. The lyrics paint a picture of a false paradise where we are ruled by our own limitations. The music starts soft but grows into a rush of guitars and drums layered over some comfortable twists and turns. "The Rhythm of My Life" explores a few more introspective ideas and delivers on the chorus "gotta get back". A flood of Mutt Lange-ish vocals rain down from the musical heavens.

"Follow The Sun" is more straight forward and hard rocking without being muddled or too heavy. It also contains a rather large chorus and some great drumming courtesy of Pete Newdeck. "Father To Son" is a heart wrenching story set over a lush array of acoustic and electric guitars. This is the big slow one on the record. It eventually fills in with bigger guitars and string sounding keyboards. "After All This Time" combines modern keys and a heavy-pop rock melody. More big chorus-y vocals and a tasty guitar solo from Klein. "Victim of Your Love" continues a nearly flawless set of catchy, memorable melodic rock music. Last but not least is the guitar driven "Just Let It Happen" combining harder rock elements with pop arrangements.

Two things about this album. First, these songs will grow on you quickly. Secondly, the arrangements are well thought out musically and don't mirror a specific band to the point of plagiarism. This is the kind of music that should be on the radio, with any one of these songs being isolated to be played next to anything classic in the rock genre. Too many times in the last 20 years, people have been overly dismissive of worthy attempts like this. When in fact they ought to be listening to a band like this along with their old staples. This is another excellent record in the now fairly long Khymera tradition.

Album rating 9.5

Master of Illusions comes out via Frontiers Music on March 6th