KISKE / SOMERVILLE – City Of Heroes (2015)

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The KISKE / SOMERVILLE project bringing together the talents of former Helloween singer Michael Kiske (now with Unisonic) and Trillium singer Amanda Somerville started in 2010 with a celebrated debut.
The question was if there would be a follow-up album, and after 5 years the answer is “City Of Heroes”, the new exciting Kiske / Somerville record.

Five years is a long time and much can change during this period of time. Especially within various musical genres, those genres popular five years ago may not be popular today. Luckily not much has changed in the Kiske/Somerville camp and lived true to the saying: ‘never change a winning team’.
On “City Of Heroes” Mat Sinner whom produced the first record remained in his seat and also play bass.
All of you will be pleased to know that the tremendous, multi-facetic Magnus Karlsson is back as well – and I can tell you one thing; he delivers once more!
Everybody who missed Magnus on the latest Allen/Lande record will love his performance on the new Kiske/Somerville. His songwriting skills will be easily recognizable as well as his always excellent guitar work.

Sinner / Karlsson wrote most of the tracks blending classic Melodic Metal structures with some Hard Rock hooks here and there, all crowned by power AOR choruses. Which, this time around makes the songs catchier and more energetic.
I think it has been done to focus on the two vocalists talents and their harmonies. Amanda has an outstanding and warm voice and she is always present on this album. I don’t need to say that much about Michael Kiske, because everybody knows what his vocal cords are capable of.

It all starts with the fantastic title track “City Of Heroes”‘, powerful and guitar heavy but with big choruses and excellent use of backing and harmony vocals. This track combines all the strengths of the band in this ambitious project. It’s melodic and it rocks.

Another highlight follows with “Walk On Water”, an earworm you can’t get out of your head. With “Rising Up” it becomes a bit groovy, with a very ’80s influenced Hard Rock. “Salvation” shows a more atmospheric side and is another winner.
“Lights Out” is one hell of a track where you definitely can clearly hear the distinct influences of Magnus Karlsson. This track could have easily been on the first Allen/Lande album. Fantastic.
Another absolutely killer track (and my personal favorite of this album) is “Open Your Eyes”. This tune has the word ‘Hit’ written all over it. The amazing guitar lines of Karlsson and the infectious chorus make this track to one of the best songs I’ve heard so far this year.
It’s hard to beat the previous, but “Run With A Dream” comes very close to doing just that. A rocker that is catchy as hell and makes you sing along for days.

My first reaction on listening to “City Of Heroes” was ‘wow, this is excellent’. It’s a huge step up from the first album (which was already a very good one). The songs are stronger, the hooks massive and the vocals top notch.
Production wise, the album was perfectly arranged. This is because Mat Sinner was involved with the production as well as the famous Jacob Hansen (Pretty Maids, Primal Fear) whom took care with the mix. Keyboards are more present this time (and I love it) which perfectly compliments the loud guitars and the tight rhythm section. With its crisp production, “City Of Heroes” sounds awesome.
Contender for the ‘the best of the year prize’ for sure.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

01. City of Heroes
02. Walk on Water
03. Rising Up
04. Salvation
05. Lights Out
06. Breaking Neptune
07. Ocean of Tears
08. Open Your Eyes
09. Last Goodbye
10. After The Night Is Over
11. Run With a Dream
12. Right Now

Lead & Backing Vocals: Michael Kiske & Amanda Somerville
Guitars, Keyboards: Magnus Karlsson
Bass, Backing Vocals: Mat Sinner
Drums: Veronika Lukesova

BUY IT !
shop.napalmrecords.com/kiske-somerville-city-of-heroes.html
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