Stephen
It's been a while since Frontiers started to waking up the rock genre from the 80s and in 2004, owner Serafino Perugino got an ambition to build a project composed of highly-skilled and well-respected veteran musicians with a set of incredibly well-crafted songs, and when he found out that ex-Helloween singer, Michael Kiske, claimed that he's interested to sing in a hard rock band, he paired him with Dennis Ward and guys from Pink Cream 69 to form Place Vendome.
Place Vendome combined the melodic heavy metal edge with the sweetness of AOR music, and when it blends with Kiske's enthralling voice, the band surely delivered something magical, especially to both metal and rock fans. Kicking off with a blasting opener, "Cross The Line", this track alone will put you in awe with an intense chorus and it promised a breathtaking wonderful journey ahead. "I Will Be Waiting" and title track are melodic rock gems with unforgettable catchy chorus that will make you humming for weeks. Another vocal highlight is on a dark haunting ballad, "The Setting Sun" and spine-chilling midtempo tune, "Too Late". "Heaven's Door", "Right Here", and "Magic Carpet" are enjoyable as well and probably only "I Will Be Gone" is the weakest track here.
The objective of creating a sensational release in 2005 had been fulfilled and Place Vendome definitely a winner of its genre. The production value is rewarding, the musicianship is top notch, and Kiske is in his brilliant form. The songs compositions are incredible and that's always the most important factor of a great album. I hardly can find any flaw on this disc so there's no reason not to give this jewel a solid five stars.