Looking back on the days I worked as staff photographer for Metal Forces magazine. I really struck gold getting to photograph the best of the best. In 1988 I was on assignment to cover HELLOWEEN on the “Keeper Of The Seven Keys - Part II” tour and to this day I remember how good the vocals of Michael Kiske were. In the many ventures of Kiske since, he is about to see his latest release with the new PLACE VENDROME “Thunder in the Distance”,
Getting an advance from the good people at Frontiers Records always is an added bonus, as our readers will get our view on this upcoming release. The disc starts off with “Talk To Me” and it’s a melodic gem with an enticing chorus that will lift your spirits. Guitar work by Uwe Reitenauer shines throughout the song as the song flows with delight.
“Power of Music” shows the power (pun intended) in the keyboard work of Gunter Werno but the master here is Michael Kiske. The method of simplicity bellows greatness as Kiske is phenomenal and the song itself is lyrically masterful. This sure is a highlight track.

Pushing the throttle forward on track three, “Broken Wings” is another powerful song that really gives the adrenaline rush of music that caresses the modern side of music. The song brings new life to music as it hits on all cylinders of music bringing a fusion sound between metal, classic and traditional rock. The slicing guitar of Uwe Reitenauer is over the edge and way above the norm.

It’s just an unbelievable sense when a record can shine song after song. “Lost In Paradise” is a slow melodic rocker that will put you in the mindset of a pondering mode. That means a band did their job in making you delve into their cells of thought. You sit back and listen to that track and it brings some type of memory that hits a nerve. Good or bad you end up loving the tune.

Listening to  “Thunder in the Distance” you have to give huge props to Frontiers President Serafino Perugino for handpicking the writers for the disc, which includes Magnus Karlsson (PRIMAL FEAR), Timo Tolkki (ex-STRATOVARIUS), Alessandro Del Vecchio (HARDLINE, etc.), Roberto Tiranti and Andrea Cantarelli (LADYRINTH, A PERFECT DAY), Tommy Denander (RADIOACTIVE), Sören Kronqvist (SUNSTORM, ISSA), and Brett Jones.

The songs shred any typical sounds and they compliment the vocal range of Kiske and the choruses explored with power as Kiske shows you a master at work.

Check out “Heaven Lost”, the arrangement and the ease that PLACE VENDROME executes the song makes a technical track seem easy.

“My Heart is Dying” is another powerful track that dominates the disc. Seems to me PLACE VENDROME is the hidden gem that concurs the music charts. The songs elevate with pleasure from track to track making “Thunder in the Distance” a top ten release for 2013 in my book.

“Maybe Tomorrow” shows Uwe Reitenauer’s guitar work going off the hook with some killer soloing yet still blending so well with the song.

Ending the disc is the tile track “Thunder in the Distance”. One thing that I am big on is harmonies and background vocals and PLACE VENDROME is truly the king of their castle in that domain. The harmonies and background vocals stand tall and are a prominent base of the music on offer.

I honestly loved everything about “Thunder in the Distance”.