Michael Kiske is without a shadow of a doubt one of the best vocalists in melodic rock. The contribution he has made to power metal, when he was a part of Helloween is big, and when he left the band and scene I felt a big part was missing. But he has blessed us with his pipes on various albums since those days, and none better than the first Place Vendome album. Here follows number two and this one is a step forward in every aspect.

On this project various songwriters have written the songs for Michael Kiske and his partners in crime; Torsti Spoof (Leverage) wrote “Streets of Fire”, “Believer”, “Changes” and “Dancer”. Magnus Karlsson contributed with "My Guardian Angel", Ronny Milianowicz (Saint Deamon) wrote “Completely Breathless”, “A Scene in Replay” and “Surrender Your Soul” and Robert Sall (Work of Art, W.E.T) wrote “Follow Me” and “Valerie”. Never change a winning team, so the production is once more left in the safe hands of Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69), who takes care of the bass guitars as well. Kosta Zafiriou (Pink Cream 69) pounds the drums, the keyboards are taken care of by Günter Werno (Vanden Plas), while the excellent guitars are performed by Uwe Reitenauer (Pink Cream 69).

The variety is what makes this album something else and strong! Each songwriter has really written the songs with Kiske's voice in mind, and each song is a melodic rock jewel. Twelve melodic rock anthems played with perfection, brilliantly produced and above everything else; a Michael Kiske delivering the performance of a lifetime!

A very strong contender for Melodic rock album of the year, and the best way possible to kick the year off with...

Brilliant