PLACE VENDOME
S/T
Frontiers Records 2005
www.frontiers.it

What’s the 4-1-1?
Former Helloween frontman Michael Kiske returns to hard rock (something he swore he'd never do) on the latest project by Frontiers President Serafino Perugino.

Genre
Melodic rock / hard rock / AOR

The Good
Pounding drum beats and a driving guitar riff start things off on “Cross the Line”. When Kiske kicks in with his vocals, he shows that there’s more diversity to him than his over-the-top wails in Helloween (and his pathetic attempt at alt-rock in Supared). The emotional level is off the charts on this one. On “I Will Be Waiting”, guitars take a back seat to pulsing keyboards. As the song reaches its peak, Kiske is at his melodic best. The song’s chorus is simple, yet catchy.

A synthesized string arrangement helps add depth to “Too Late”. The backup vocals are top-notch as they compliment Michael well. “Place Vendome” has a Survivor-esque riff to it, as does the vocal pattern and arrangements. When Kiske hits the powerful chorus, you just want to yell out “Yeah!”. “Heaven’s Door” is a touching ballad with lots of pleasing vocal harmonies. “Magic Carpet Ride” is not the song you’re thinking of. This power ballad is loaded with power chords and chunky muted riffs.

The Bad
Nothing

The Verdict
Every song’s a winner. Kiske may not have come back to what he is known and loved for, but he’s damn close. The AOR/melodic genre certainly suits him if he chooses to continue with it.

Did You Know?
In an odd twist of irony, Michael Kiske is backed up by members of Pink Cream 69, whose former singer replace Kiske in Helloween.

Rating: out of 5

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Supared - S/T
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--George Dionne