Artist: O'Hora, Tony
Label: Frontiers Records
Release: 2006
Rating: 4/5
Tony O’Hora is the guy who sang with Praying Mantis on “Forever In Time” (2000) and “Nowhere To Hide” (1998). He teaches at a music college, but after his recent exit from The Sweet he finally found the time to make a fantastic solo album. Every instrument on it is played with fury by musical genius Magnus Karlsson (Last Tribe). Tony’s excellent voice is one of those that have somehow, unfairly, gone overlooked to this day.
Last year Karlsson already pitched in as a writer and guitarist on the debut of Starbreaker, and he also contributed a big chunk to the excellent Russel Allen & Jorn Lande album “The Battle”. “Escape Into The Sun” is maybe a shade less hard-sounding, but it comes with an outstanding, crystal-clear production, bright as the whitest day. The guitars build a huge sound, carry real bite and fill out the sonic picture with conviction, just like a melodic hard’n’heavy approach should. Karlsson brings that true Scandinavian, hair-splittingly polished approach. The production is straight out of the late eighties, with emphasized depth on the drums that gives the rhythm section the right dose of erotic intensity, maxed-out guitars with open riffs and brilliant “golden era Europe”-style guitar solos. Tying it all together is Tony’s recognizable, slightly raspy voice, marked by an exceptional feel for melody. The melodies are phenomenally wrapped in “back” vocal harmonies of the noblest AOR pedigree. Magnus and Tony are on the same wavelength the whole way through, as if in some kind of trance, in perfectly in-sync, flawless communication. That’s why all the songs are truly big. On top of that, Magnus masterfully wove in synthesizers played over the guitar, and “Escape Into The Sun” has a highly vibrant atmosphere where goosebumps are in no way off the menu while you listen to this record. The tracks have a melancholic touch. Even though this is an AOR metal record, the songs are sharp but, as said, with masterfully crafted melodies. Don’t worry, this album is no whiny sob-fest for “one night stand” babes. Stylistically it’s also close to today’s Praying Mantis, with an exceptional charge and big melodies that grab you by the ears right “from the start” and never let go. The songs are all on the same level, so it’s hard to pick out highlights. I’d say every song is a real peak of its kind. And the album consequently doesn’t carry a single dud.
Besides the already mentioned excellence and flawlessness of the release, it’s fascinating how two people click so seamlessly. Tony O’Hora’s top-class voice meets the superb musical know-how of multi-instrumentalist Magnus Karlsson. “Escape Into The Sun” is a real AOR metal treat. Boundless melody, musical perfection in how the motifs fit together, impressive choruses, riding on high atmosphere and draped in a real touch of drama. An album that every fan of variations on AOR metal and AOR rock can only wish for.
Lineup
Tony O’Hora – all vocals
Magnus Karlsson – all instruments
Production
Magnus Karlsson
Track list
1. Broken Soul
2. Escape Into The Sun
3. No More Innocence
4. High Enough
5. My Final Prayer
6. Dreamless Nights
7. More Than We Know
8. Close To Me
9. Evil Love
10. Black Wings
11. Start All Over
12. Never Alone
Album length: 54:52
