Place Vendome – Close to the Sun

[nyrating]

27th March 2017 Kenn Jensen Album Reviews 0

Michael Kiske is surely one the best German metal vocalists to ever walk the Earth. His talent alone has helped elevate many albums to something extraordinary. However, in this case he’s only able to rescue this album from mediocrity. This is by far my least favorite Place Vendome album to date. Their debut album was stellar and the following were also strong.

But Close to the Sun leaves me disappointed; no songs leave a lasting memory and only the strong performance from Michael Kiske is worth mentioning. I had high hopes, but in this case they were not met.

So Close to the Sun ends up being a rather even and uneventful journey. It’s solid craftsmanship and the production is good, but it simply lacks balls and catchy songs.

Tracklist:

Close to the Sun (4:32)
Welcome to the Edge (4:30)
Hereafter (4:26)
Strong (4:50)
Across the Times (4:51)
Riding the Ghost (3:57)
Light Before the Dark (4:11)
Falling Star (4:50)
Breathing (4:43)
Yesterday Is Gone (4:33)
Helen (5:00)
Distant Skies (5:26)

Playing Time: 55:53

Release date: February 24, 2017

Label: Frontiers Music S.r.l.

Website: Place Vendome @ Facebook

About Kenn Jensen 288 Articles

When I kicked this site off back in 2003, I had no idea that it would turn into what it has become. I am very proud of what we've done and achieved over the years. Musically I have a soft spot for 80s inspired hard rock, but my favourite music and bands are all to be found in the progressive universe these days.