Khymera


"The Greatest Wonder"


Label: Frontiers

In 2003 a project was conducted by a group of musicians featuring Steve Walsh (Kansas), Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69), Daniele Liverani (Genius-rock opera), Tommy Ermoli and Dario Ciccioni.  Only one album was made with this line-up and since then everyone except Steve Walsh continued on this musical journey.  “The Greatest Wonder” is Khymera’s third album and it’s undoubtedly remarkable.  With most of the songwriting done by the twins Tom and James Martin (House of Lords), how could this album go wrong?

The album starts with an instrumental piece with epic keyboard sounds and melody.  For those who haven’t heard any of their previous albums, starting with an instrumental piece is their key signature.  “Beautiful Life” is a beautiful song to start off the album but not as forceful as the third song “Borderline”.  It is basically a melodic punch to the stomach that really defines the band’s identity.  “Since You Went Away” is a refreshing 80’s sounding song whose production leans towards that era as well.  Other noticeable songs are “No Sacrifice” with its outstanding guitar solo that is reminiscent of John Norum, “The Greatest Wonder” with melodic elements of Giant, “Love Will Find You” which is a ballad that upon hearing it one gets the feeling that they’ve heard it before. Maybe the keyboard riff sounds a bit too much like “Save up All your Tears” by Robin Beck. The album, by the eighth song, mellows out a bit too much so it’s a relief that it ends with another up-tempo song like “The Other Side”.

“The Greatest Wonder” is easy to listen to and its purely melodic rock/AOR compositions.   There are no complex musical parts that keep you on your toes but rather clear sounds that stick to classic songwriting.  The album sound production is also well-defined and high-budget.  Nothing less is expected from Daniele Liverani and Serafino Perugino.  The overall review is beyond satisfactory with a fantastic vocal performance by Dennis Ward (not to mention sound-engineering-wise as well), greatly balanced keyboards, and technical and melodic distinction of the guitars.