KHYMERA, as the fans already know, was a collaborative project between the Italian producer/musician, Daniele Liverani and the former KANSAS singer Steve Walsh. The band today seems to not to be related to them anymore, but as Dennis Ward (former bass player of PINK CREAM 69, actually playing for UNISONIC and MAGNUM) seems to be someone who never rests, here comes the band again, with its latest release, "Master of Illusions".

On the album, a form of melodic Hard Rock/AOR can be heard, extremely accessible for a broader public (maybe all mamas and grandmas of the world would love their music), created with talent and inspiration. The energy the flows from the songs is amazing, along with elegant keyboards parts, excellent catchy choruses, but with a modern outfit (because the guitars are evident on their work). In the end of all, the idea of the listeners is that nothing new can be found on this album (this genre is extremely old), but in the hands of these guys, everything sounds fresh, new and alive. And, of course, their musical approach is extremely charming as well.

The production is extremely professional. To such form of music hits the target, it's needed a clean approach (what the album really has), but with a modern outfit, showing that AOR/Hard Rock can be recorded in modern ways without losing its primordial elements. And the set of instrumental tunes is amazing, mixed in a form that they don't sound chaotically entangled.

All the songs of the album are excellent, turning the work of point to one or other as the best shots. But for a first time on "Master of Illusions", the catchy melodic scent of "Walk Away" (amazing chorus), the excellent melodic ambiance that fills "Master of Illusions" and "The Sun Goes Down" (both with excellent chorus, using fine contrasts between vocals and backing vocals, and a tender approach on the keyboards), the 80's Pop Rock touches heard on "The Rhythm of My Life" (very good work from bass guitar and drums) and on "Follow the Sun", and the tender and cleaner approach used on "After All This Time" (maybe the more radio orientated song of the entire album, with that Arena Rock of the past on its melodies) and "Victim of Your Love" are the finest ones to begin with.

Of course "Master of Illusions" won't satisfy every fan, but for those who understand the deeper essence of what KHYMERA is up to will love the album.