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Panorama: Around The World
Panorama - Around The World CD Album Review

Panorama: Around The World

Melodic Hard Rock/Metal
4.0/5.0

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Rock Of Angels Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 07.01.2018

The history of Panorama, an international rock band, began with the providential meeting between Swiss guitarist Sammy Lasagni (Gods of Silence, Kirk, Godiva) and Uruguay born singer Christian Palin (Random Eyes, Adagio), when Godiva was supporting Adagio on tour. A musical kinship was found, but would not develop until seven years later and Panorama was born. The duo presented their music to the legendary producer Dennis Ward who agreed to handle every facet of production and also play bass for the band. The rest of Panorama is filled out by Ben Varon (Amoral, Grease Helmet) on guitars and Philipp Eichenberger (Gods of Silence, Kirk) on drums.

Panorama Band Photo

Panorama

There's no mystery to the Panorama sound. Quite simply it's classic melodic hard rock, with a metal edge, and then carefully delivered in an AOR wrapper. You know the familiar ingredients: twin guitar harmony which turn to thrilling solos, clean and melodic lead vocals, big beat and groove from the rhythm section, a touch of synths, and catchy hooks in melodies, refrains, and song arrangements. Yet, with these familiar characteristics, I might suggest that the metal edge is rather prominent. The riffs are sharp, the solos more rabid, and the bottom end heavier. Additionally, while having some range, vocalist Palin can have forceful presence, sometimes slightly screamo.

As for the songs, metal-edged rockers abound, notable with Around The World, Stand My Ground, the fast and heavy One For All, or the riff busting The Other Side. Alternatively, something like Jammin In The Jungle turns more on a lively rock beat and groove. Similar is Shout It Out, but the beat is twisted with some speed, and the song hopes to rely on the chorus for its impact. Think Stand Up (And Shout) from DIO. Conversely, Panorama attempts something of an anthem or ballad with the somewhat lighter The Highest Mountain, a mixture of symphonic synths and AOR accessibility. Fundamentally, Around The World is a fine first start for Panorama, delivering quintessential, if not predictable, European classic melodic hard rock with a metal edge. Recommended.



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The Bottom Line

Fundamentally, Around The World is a fine first start for Panorama, delivering quintessential, if not predictable, European classic melodic hard rock with a metal edge. Recommended.

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