Search - Kharma :: Wonderland

A breath of fresh air

06/02/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an absolutely killer arena-rock album; it sounds like someone put Queen, Styx and Kansas in a blender, and there has been nothing like it for at least ten years, probably more. The production is a little too over-the-top; the lyrics of "Burn Forever" are drowned out by keyboards, and "In Chains" would have been awesome at three and a half minutes, instead of borderline torturous at six and a half. Still, "Wonderland" and "Ray of Sunshine" are nothing short of masterpieces, and the rest of the album is solid and gets better with each listening. If any of the current crop of "melodic rock" bands has a shot at real commercial success, it's these guys."

First-class AOR album

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 03/15/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's great to finally see a band take advantage of Goran Edman's fantastic vocal talents. He had previously spent time providing brief vocal interludes between extended guitar solos for Yngwie Malmsteen, and fronted the group Glory, but with Kharma, Edman really has a chance to shine.



Wonderland (sadly, Kharma's only album) is a great mix of pomp rock and AOR. Styx, Kansas, and Journey are the obvious comparisons, but Kharma manages to blend the styles without sounding like a copycat. Much credit goes to Edman's vocal performance. He really sounds his best in an AOR setting, and his voice on Wonderland is strong, melodic, emotional, and dramatic - everything you could possibly ask for. I'm a Goran Edman fan, so I was inclined to like this album on the basis of his performance alone, but everything about this album works - the song structures, melodies, lyrics, and musicians' performance.



Wonderland is an absolute first-class melodic rock album, and should appeal to all AOR/classic rock fans, particularly fans of Styx, Kansas, Journey, and Queen.



Edman would go on to sing for the Journey-obsessed band Street Talk. A good AOR group to be sure, but just not as memorable or fun as Kharma.

"

You Will Feel The Kharma

MusicFan | Long Island, NY | 12/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The best AOR release to come out in a long time. This Swedish group have crafted some of the most melodic rock tunes to surface since Boston (in the mid 70's). Singer Edman Goran (Ex Yngwie Malmsteen, Streetalk) is in his best form ever, delivering strong vocals and soaring harmonies. Any fan of Journey, Boston, Queen, Styx and latter day Deep Purple will LOVE this. Excellent keyboard and lead guitar fills throughout! Standout tracks include "Wonderland", "Knowing You", "In Chains", "Ray of Sunshine", and "Spell On You". There is not a weak track on this."