Destiny Mail order - The enemy within (01/07)

Grand Illusion were certainly one of Escape’s better signings in recent years, their pomp infused Scandie hard rock sound offering a tantalising glimpse of just how great it was when melody reigned supreme. Sadly, after three rather fine albums (plus the double CD reissue of their earlier works as Promotion), Grand Illusion would appear to be defunct. Sad news indeed, although they say that every cloud has a silver lining, and that appears to have arrived in the shape of Code. Code it transpires, is the latest vehicle for multitalented composer/instrumentalist Anders Rydholm who many of you will recall was in fact the lynchpin of the aforementioned Grand Illusion. Joining him on debut album ‘The Enemy Within’ are former Grand Illusion colleague Ola af Trampe on guitars, and vocalist Sherwood Ball (Jay Graydon, etc.); and what’s more, world renowned drummer Gregg Bissonette has also lent his not inconsiderable talents. So, with a strong set of credentials (on paper at least), what can you expect? Musically speaking, there are occasional flashes of Grand Illusion (mainly the harmonies, and the odd touch of keyboard pomp), but overall there’s a much stronger American AOR/Westcoast flavour to ‘The Enemy Within’. Slick yet bombastic, peppered with crunching riffs yet at the same time smooth as silk, it seems to be pitched somewhere between Giant, Mark Spiro and Toto.

Title track ‘The Enemy Within ’ for some reason reminds me of a lighter Brazen Abbot (very ‘When November Reigns’), and whilst there’s nothing particularly new or innovative on offer, where Rydholm scores big is on the sheer quality of his compositions. So, if you’re a fan of any of the aforementioned acts, or just catchy, heartfelt AOR in general, then you won’t go far wrong with tracks such as ‘Sign Up For Love’, ‘How Can I Change The World’, ‘In The Shadows’ and ‘Uninvited Guest’.

Excellent start!

Destiny Records (England)