Since 2023 Joe Deninzon has been the violinist and guitarist of Kansas and on this album with his band Stratospheerius, he also takes care of the vocals. Impostor! is the band's sixth album and it features an amazing line-up, as Deninzon is assisted by Bill Hubauer (keys, Neal Morse Band), Paul Ranieri (bass guitar, Riot Act) and drummer Jason Gianni (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Neal Morse Band). Furthermore JD & Stratospheerius's new album features some great guest musicians, namely: Michael Sadler (Saga), Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree), Chloe Lowery (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) and Rachel Flowers. Impostor! features nine new tracks, of which two - Voodoo Vortex (part 2) and Tripping The Merry-Go-Round - are rather short but "sweet". The first "real" song is called Outrage Olympics - weird title by the way - and it begins with a melodic piano intro played by Hubauer, before it evolves into an outstanding, dynamic prog rock track. The title track is a wonderful blend of Kansas and Spock's Beard musical characteristics, ending with a crazy violin solo. Saga's lead singer Michael Sadler delivers a wonderful performance on Storm Surge, also featuring atmospheric flute and piano passages galore. Frame By Frame is a cover of King Crimson and I really have to say that this one is the true odd one out, so skip it if you can, but if you like a violin-infused cover of this King Crimson classic then by all means, give it a try... Chasing The Dragon, a mini-epic, clocking in over twelve minutes, is the milestone of this album, with Chloe Lowery delivering excellent vocals and a high-class musical duel between the guitar, keyboards and of course the violin. Chasing The Dragon is diverse, dynamic, bombastic and 100% harmonious; indeed, a classic prog rock epic for sure, and a powerful end to a magnificent album. Impostor! is a MUST have album for fans of Kansas, Spock's Beard, and The Neal Morse Band, so check it out indeed! Listening tip: Storm Surge. **** Martien Koolen (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
