Hold Your Ground

Khymera

From their record label's website, "KHYMERA has in fact built its reputation as one of […]
February 25, 2023
Khymera - Hold Your Ground album cover

From their record label's website, "KHYMERA has in fact built its reputation as one of the best examples of what great European melodic rock is all about: crystal clear production, soaring vocals, killer musicianship, and songwriting that reminds fans of the heydays of the genre. While it started out as an alliance between Italian producer/musician Daniele Liverani and Steve Walsh, they developed into a regular musical project when bassist and producer Dennis Ward entered the fold. While known as a bassist, Dennis always sang background vocals with his bands, so he was more than ready and willing to take over the lead vocals when the opportunity presented itself." The album has eleven songs.

"Don't Wait for Love" is the first. It's a mid-tempo song with smooth keyboards and harmonized vocals. The riff is fairly simple but effectively portrays what the band wants to get across. "Firestarter" is another mid-tempo song, and the edges are filled in a little more with backing elements. Singer Dennis doesn't have a "blow me away" vocal range, but his voice fits well with the music, and that's all that matters. "Hear Me Calling" has a tender and catchy sound, with keys and guitars in a balanced mix. The key changes a couple times and the song has a bit of a DANGER DANGER sound to it.

"Our Love is Killing Me" is a piano led slower song, where the emotions come pouring out in the chorus. I hate to say that the song is overly sappy, because I like these kinds of songs, but it is just a bit. "Believe in What You Want" really reminds me of the heyday of this kind of music. The charming sound took me back in time. It's catchy, melodic, and fun to listen to. "On the Edge" has a big keyboard sound out of the gates. I love keyboards and what they can bring to the table in this genre is almost a necessity. This song also has a bit more energy and haste. The chorus is also fairly catchy. "Runaway" is a short, fun song with harmonized vocals, and some big hooks. The guitar solo burns as well and leaves a trail of smoke behind. "Am I Dreaming" closes the album. That moment when it all comes together is very nice, and it does in this closer. The riff has a rough edge and it has another catchy sound.

The album was melodic, and a decent representation of what modern AOR should sound like. However, there were too many songs with the same pacing. Heading from slow to burning fast and in between would ensure that the album stays fresh and keeps the listener guessing. Some of it seems a bit overprocessed as well. If they band could work in more of their personality into the music, it would be better. But it is catchy, and melodic, and those are the two key features in the genre.

7 / 10

Good

Songwriting

6

Musicianship

8

Memorability

6

Production

9
"Hold Your Ground" Track-listing:

1. Don't Wait for Love
2. Firestarter
3. Hear Me Calling
4. Sail On Forever
5. Our Love Is Killing Me
6. Hear What I'm Saying
7. Believe in What You Want
8. On The Edge
9. Could Have Been Us
10. Runaway
11. Am I Dreaming

Khymera Lineup:

Dennis Ward - Lead Vocals, Bass, Keys
Michael Klein - Guitars
Eric Ragno - Keyboards
Michael Kolar - Drums
Pete Newdeck - Backing Vocals

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