Khymera return for their third album and I have to admit not being overly impressed with their last album. Their debut is a good one, featuring Steve Walsh of Kansas fame, although he has left by the time of the second album. But on this one they have created a melodic rock fans dream!

After a suitably grandiose intro 'Ablaze' we are off with keys, harmony vocals, sharp guitar riffs and the vocals of Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69) - wow is he good!

Catch your breath and then we have 'Borderline' which reminds me of Brian McDonald/Newman - keyboard led melodic rock (Daniele Liverani goes all Gregg Guiffria on this one!). Again Dennis Ward has that melodic voice suited to the music and wait until the ballad, 'Love Has Been And Gone' arrives - awesome!

'Say Forever' is Talisman meets Tyketto, whilst 'The Other Side' rounds the album off in style. Only one or two songs lack the killer hook or chorus but overall a damn fine melodic rock album for fans of House Of Lords, Signal, Tyketto, etc.

Biggest treat is hearing what a great voice Dennis Ward has - he's usually the one behind the desk making all the great sounding albums (Daniele Liverani produces this one). What a great start to the year for melodic rock!

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie