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PLACE VENDOME
Thunder in the Distance
Frontiers

Place Vendome is a beautiful little area in Paris. It's also one of Serafino Perugino's pet projects. PLACE VENDOME started in 2004 when Michael Kiske, following a self-imposed hiatus from the rock and metal scene which only lasted a few years after his departure from HELLOWEEN and solo career accepted an offer in 2004 to be part of a melodic rock-oriented concept put together by Frontiers Records president Serafino Perugino.

Following his stint with the band UNISONIC, Kiske decided to go back once again to the PLACE VENDOME concept with more melodic rock-oriented songs which, once again, have been selected by Perugino from outside writers, including Magnus Karlsson (PRIMAL FEAR), Timo Tolkki (ex-STRATOVARIUS), Alessandro Del Vecchio (HARDLINE), Roberto Tiranti and Andrea Cantarelli (LABYRINTH, A PERFECT DAY), Tommy Denander (RADIOACTIVE), Sören Kronqvist (SUNSTORM, ISSA), and Brett Jones. Between the amazing writers and the notable and amazing Dennis Ward producing PLACE VENDOME’s third CD, Thunder In The Distance is stronger and seems more heartfelt.

There are 13 total tracks on this CD and each one could stand alone, not a single “filler” song on this CD. Some of the edgier songs are "Broken Wings", "Lost In Paradise", "Fragile Ground" and the title track "Thunder in the Distance". Yet these are still tempered with a crisp melody and rinse of keyboards. On the more AOR side of things, "Break Out", "It Can't Rain Forever", "Hold Your Love" and "Power of Music" tones things back a bit more.

Out of all the tracks "Power of Music" is my absolute favorite. This is a CD that you can listen to over and over again and not get tired of listening or feel like you need to change it to something else.

Thunder in the Distance is a strong CD and as always the strong vocals of Kiske and the outstanding musicianship of the others keeps you listening to see what the next song is going to be like.

4.5 Out Of 5.0