This band amazingly formed back in 1993 but this is actually the band’s debut album! The line-up consists of Pekka Rautiainen (vocals), Jaakko Niitemaa (guitars), Juha Paananen (bass), ex-Iron Cross drummer Jimbo Makelainen and Jonne Valtonen (keys).

Music wise House of Mirrors will please fans of Europe, Treat and Jaded Heart with their no-nonsense melodic rock approach. ‘Glory Days’ has an uplifting chorus and sticks around in your head, whilst ‘Top of the World’ also contains a catchy hook. But sadly much of the album drifts past my ears anyway as it lacks some killer tunes.

It’s well produced and played, with some nifty keyboard and guitar flourishes and for many melodic fans this will be an enjoyable album. Hopefully they will get album number two out more quickly than this one!

Website

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Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly