Tony O'Hora

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Escape Into The Sun

www.rockreport.be, Rated 5.5 out of 6 !

Coupling talented artists seems to be a hobby of Serafino Perugino, known as president of Frontiers Records and this time he linked ex-Praying Mantis vocalist Tony O’Hora to none other than songwriter, producer & guitar wizard Magnus Karlsson (Last Tribe, Starbreaker a.o.).

I’m sure you all will remember Tony O’Hora as that excellent vocalist on Praying Mantis’s best two efforts, Forever In Time (1998) and Nowhere To Hide (2000). After that he started teaching in a musical college in Birmingham and in between he toured and eventually became a permanent member of Andy Scott’s Sweet, which he recently left again. Upon suggestion of Serafino Perugino he started to exchange some of his musical ideas with Magnus Karlsson last year, a born artist known from such acts as Midnight Sun, Last Tribe, Starbreaker and the mighty Allen-Lande project, for whom he wrote all the songs. The two musicians seemed to like each other’s ideas and kept on exchanging music and lyrics through the Internet.

The final result of their combined efforts is called Escape Into The Sun and marketed as Tony O’Hora’s debut solo album. Stylewise it’s a continuation of what we got on Nowhere To Hide (that ended up as number 8 in our poll of 2000), but with that incredible shot from multi-instrumentalist & producer Magnus Karlsson as an extra bonus. Boy, did that man come up with great stuff lately! Together with equally impressive new releases from Ambition and Bob Catley, this is certainly a flying start for Frontiers Records this year! The competition is warned and only God knows what will follow later on ...

www.metel-temple.com, Rated 3.5 out of 5 !

Sometimes it only takes two people to come to an agreement. The perfect match would be one for singing and the other one for playing. If a three-piece act is said to be the ideal number of musicians fighting each other’s thoughts/proposals, then just think how ’operational’ a duo is.

The tale: Once upon a time there was a brilliant melodic Rock band called Praying Mantis (and still is, as far as I’m concerned). Into the NWOBHM ’tornado’ of the late 70’s/early 80’s they released the AOR-orientated classic "Time Tells No Lies" (1981) album. Disbanding a couple of years after their debut, they reformed in the late 80’s, focusing mainly on the Japanese market (they still do, as far as I’m concerned again). They’ve brought out 7-8 releases till now, the best of them said to be "Forever In Time" (1998) and "Nowhere To Hide" (2000). Well, Tony O’Hora sang on these two efforts. That’s the relation, that’s the hint.

The singer: Tony O’Hora carries a respectable CV, even if not that recognized among the average Melodic Rock/AOR fans apart from his works with Praying Mantis. Liverpool’s AORsters Toronto (a much appreciated outfit, with only a couple of releases if I remember well) was his first ’known’ home, but I think he didn’t manage to release any albums with them. Later on, Tony crossed the line by joining the (then) camp of declining thrashers Onslaught. No luck there either. Sleaze rockers Highwire were his next stop; gaining enough reputation during various U.K. gigs didn’t result in a record contract either. Tuff luck... On to Hora-Kane (along with ex-Highwire colleague Jaime O’Kane) and the "Eternal Infinity" (1999) album - a brilliant release - saw the light of day. I think Frontiers Records re-released this obscure gem a few years ago, altering its title to "Falling Into Infinity". Anyway, also enlisted as the frontman into Andy Sweet’s 2003 lineup of Glam legends Sweet, he gained a glimpse of worldwide fame for a short while. Last but not least, O’Hora joined the re-generated edition of U.K. rockers Statetrooper for a short time to handle the bass duties. This brings us to the year 2005 and the release of his debut solo album reviewed here.

The player: Swedish Magnus Karlsson is the man I cannot give sufficient info about. But cares, since his contribution to projects as Starbreaker and Allen/Lande speak for themselves. ’Nuff said.

The music: If O’Hora had composed the songs by himself, I’d consider the specific result as something absolutely logical. Yet, to see Karlsson as the sole creator put me into grand thinking. You see, there’s absolutely no way you won’t bring Praying Mantis to mind as soon as you listen to the album. Yes, this album could have come out under the P.M. moniker and none would defy. Not that there’s something bad now. It’s just a little bit weird - or maybe Karlsson proves to be the most devoted P.M. fan (Troy Bros, do you read me?). Anyway - and to be a little bit more specific - "Escape Into The Sun" features twelve well-structured songs with plain guitars, an average rhythm section and beautiful keyboards. O’Hora’s voice is in great shape; he can ’breathe’ melancholy, passion and sentiment each time he feels so. He can also scream his guts out whenever he wants, no prob. All tunes flirt with Melodic Rock/AOR the European way, with "Escape Into The Sun", "My Final Prayer" and "Start All Over" drawing my attention a little bit more than the remaining tracklist. Anyway, no over-mellowed stuff in here; I’m really glad...

The outro: you know what kind of music Frontiers deals with, you already know Praying Mantis’ ’taste’; well, if you - in addition - took the chance to listen to the Allen/Lande 2005 release, you cannot miss the ’design’ of this album. If you got the rest, you can pick up this one too.

www.lordsofmetal.nl, Rated 90 out of 100 !

Two men with an unfair amount of talent: that is the best way to describe Tony O'Hora and multi-instrumentalist Magnus Karlsson on the record 'Escape Into The Sun'. One half of the duo fills the record with open chords and dangerously good keyboard parts, while the other half sings about the joys and pains of life.

The result is a timeless AOR-record worthy of purchase for every fan of the genre. Insiders might remember Tony O'Hora from the British rockband Praying Mantis which ranks he joined in 1998. In this band he presented himself as an excellent singer who felt quite comfortable with the Magnum-influenced music. On his solo record he picks up where he left off with his previous band. One difference, though: what Praying Mantis did, he now does better: better songs, better atmospheres, better vocals.

The silent force behind the album is the Swede Magnus Karlsson, who also made the Allan/Lande one of the best releases of last year. By playing all of the instruments himself he creates an incredible balance in the complex song writing. One moment he restricts himself to the most basic parts to allow the vocals to come out better, only to start a twin guitar-duel with himself a moment a moment later. Two musicians who get together to write timeless songs, it's something that we unfortunately hardly ever see. Remind yourself to buy this album when you are in the record store to pick up the new Bob Catley: 'Escape Into The Sun' is pure magic.

www.metalexpressradio.com

Vocalist/Musician Tony O’Hora’s history includes providing vocals for two albums with the group Praying Mantis and working in bands such as Sweet and Statetrooper. If enough ears get the opportunity to hear his new solo project, entitled Escape Into The Sun, then all that history might be surpassed by this new, outstanding effort.

The packaging on this one says “Tony O’Hora,” but it might as well say “O’Hora/Karlsson” (as in guitarist Magnus Karlsson of Last Tribe, Starbreaker, and Allen/Lande fame). The basis for this statement becomes quite clear as you scroll down to the bottom of this review and see that it is indeed these two individuals that are single-handedly responsible for this finely-crafted disc. Karlsson must feel he is one of the most blessed guitarists in modern day Hard Rock. Not only is he a gifted musician, but he has also had the fine fortune of working with several gifted vocalists including Tony Harnell (Starbreaker), Russell Allen, Jorn Lande, and now the exceptional Tony O’Hora.

Karlsson’s involvement in this production is felt from the onset as it sounds suspiciously like a slightly more melodic version of last year’s Starbreaker release (check out the MER.COM review here). In fact, similarities are such that Starbreaker fans will not be disappointed whatsoever with Escape Into the Sun. For those familiar with Karlsson’s previous works, you’ll often have that … “I’ve heard that melody before” Déjà vu feeling when listening to this O’Hora offering. Putting all analogies aside, this release still stands on it’s own as a solid piece of work for its strong musicianship, vocally and instrumentally, as well as its commendable songwriting.

Highlights abound as Tony O’Hora puts in a vocal performance that almost rivals past Tony Harnell performances, however, O’Hora essentially is a softer and “heavenly” version of Harnell. While Karlsson, on the other hand, contributes a typical top-notch guitar performance, along with playing all the other instruments confidently. The drumming, though, is a little more rhythmically simplistic when compared to other releases in this genre that have a bona fide full time drummer. Nonetheless, the drumming is more than adequate, and doesn’t hold back the overall performance of the CD in the least bit.

The album starts off with “Broken Soul,” which is a melodic, almost symphonic piece; full of emotion and melody. Immediately you’ll fall for O’Hora’s vocal capabilities, as this track’s chorus pulls you in deep ... very deep. The title track, “Escape Into The Sun,” is slightly slower in tempo, but is just as moving in delivery as its predecessor. O’Hora’s multi-tracked choruses throughout are, simply put, outstanding. “High Enough” actually shows O’Hora’s upper range and ability to hold a note as he pulls off a very convincing “scream” before Karlsson’s lead. The remainder of the release continues in the same fine fashion with one quality track after another, and closes on a high note with the upbeat and driving “Black Wings” and "Start All Over."

Bottom line, this release is an early candidate for one of the best Melodic Rock releases for this premature 2006 year. The release showcases one of Hard Rock’s premier vocalists and musicians in O’Hora and Karlsson, respectively. Starbreaker fans, who can digest a slightly lighter and richer sounding version of Starbreaker, will be enthusiastically pleased with this buy. All others will be treated to an auditory, Melodic Hard Rock feast. Hopefully O’Hora and Karlsson continue to work together in the future. As it stands, if this duo were armed with a full-time bass player and drummer, they might be able to make a serious run at the “mighty” TNT!

www.melodicrock.com

Tony O'Hora's name came to prominence when he joined the british melodic metal band PRAYING MANTIS in 1998 for the recording of one of their most successful and critically acclaimed albums ever entitled “Forever In Time”. Tony got ample recognition for his vocal abilities since his vocals were praised by the whole press that spoke of “clear, soaring and downright heavenly vocals” (Powerplay Magazine, UK) and “the best new vocal talent heard this year” (Hard Roxx Magazine, UK).

His stint with PRAYING MANTIS lasted for another album, the masterpiece “Nowhere To Hide” where his voice represented the perfect match for the MAGNUM-influenced sound of the album. He also performed with the band at the GODS 2000 festival in Wigan, UK.

After PRAYING MANTIS, Tony started teaching in a Music College in Birmingham taking the challenge of teaching young musicians, engineers and kids who want to be involved with entertainment and at the same time he toured and became a permanent member of Andy Scott's SWEET, which he just recently left.

During the year 2005 he started to exchange musical ideas with guitar wizard and producer Magnus Karlsson (STARBREAKER, LAST TRIBE, ALLEN / LANDE) upon suggestion of Frontiers Records President, Serafino Perugino. The two musicians liked each other and hence they went on exchanging music and vocals over the internet.

The final result, Tony O'Hora's debut album “Escape Into The Sun” is the perfect continuation of PRAYING MANTIS after “Nowhere To Hide”, with hints of the classic Hard Rock sound that Magnus has been contributing to bands and albums like LAST TRIBE and ALLEN / LANDE. A rich and varied sound with beautiful songs and a memorable vocal performance makes this album a true enrichment for every rock fan !

www.ytsejam.com. Rated 4.5 out of 5.

Sometimes you don’t know what to expect when you hear any member of a melodic metal/rock band going solo, but what is surprising about this record is that although a songwriter’s record, it is chock full of the technical edge, almost bridging the gap between AOR and progressive metal. Being the debut solo album of Praying Mantis front man Tony O’Hora, ‘Escape Into the Sun’ puts superior marksmanship for blistering guitar riffs, pop sensibility, catchiness, epical technicalities, and the metal edge that portrays the heavy side of melodic rock.

It’s almost like you blend Stride, Place Vendome, Millennium, and Vanden Plas together to prove that even with the first release, O’Hora has most likely proven himself as a solo artist. With help of axeman/producer Magnus Karlsson (of Allen/Lande and Starbreaker fame) it’s pretty much known that this record is out to kick ass; no syrup or cheese factor here, so hence the record, like earlier lies within the metal scheme of AOR. But besides dismissing the album altogether as just another metal oriented AOR record, take cuts such as ‘Broken Soul,’ ‘High Enough’ and ‘Close to Me,’ where there is a hierarchy of complex rhythm structures as well as a dark moody atmosphere to compliment the overall vibe to the album’s sound. But of course, when it comes to a more simplistic approach, for which the record is anything but simple, you do have more straight-ahead melodic ditties such as the grinding ‘Black Winds,’ the title track, and the balladry of ‘Never Alone’ rounding out the all the elements needed to make such an album.

Nevertheless, let me correct what I said earlier, ‘most likely proven solo artist,’ no, a proven solo artist.

www.hardrockhouse.com. Rated 9 out of 10.

Well when the latest package arrived from Cargo it barely hit the floor before the bulk of the CD’s had flown off to other reviewers. Steve had picked the Bob Catley, as he’s a fan to say the least! And Freez picked the Ten rerecording. That left me with this Tony O’Hora CD -who you all ask?

Well Tony was a member of Praying Mantis and recorded the album 'Nowhere To Hide' that was released via Now and Then back in 2000 which led to an appearance at that years Gods festival. O'Hora also released an album under the name Horakane which was entitled Eternal Infinity and subsequently toured as a member of The Sweet.

Fortunately one look at the press release that accompanied this release left my mouth watering, the reason? Magnus Karlsson co-wrote all the material. Now Karlsson was also involved in co-writing my album of the year, the Starbreaker release, and also had a hand in 'The Battle', featuring Jorn Lande and Russell Allen, so to say that his recent CV is impressive is somewhat of an understatement. If you liked the aforementioned Starbreaker album then you’ll love this!

The album opens with a keyboard lead piece called 'Broken Soul' before the main guitar riff kicks which is very 'Pull Me Under' by Dream Theatre in style and this is the second biggest thing on this album, the riffs that is, Karlsson is a riff master of the highest order. What the biggest thing on the album? Well that would be Tony O’Hora’s stunning vocals, Part Rob Halford, Part Bob Plant, part Tony Harnel absolutely stunning!

Next up is the title track 'Escape Into The Sun', which starts all AOR in style and then builds into a great mid paced track. No More Innocence is a big vocal number with a stunning riff and excellent drum work whilst 'High Enough' is another riff led rocker and in fact the album should have been called riff after bloody excellent riff. This track also features a fragile piano in contrast to all the riffery.

'My Final Prayer' is a great mid tempo track that features a piano line that reminds one of The Exorcist, the guitar solo however is very Kirk Hammet in style. 'Dreamless Nights' is yet another heavy riff led track that is reminiscent of Starbreaker's Lies, that is until the vocals come in.

'More Than We Know' is a track that builds and builds to the chorus and sounds very familiar but I cannot place it and 'Close To Me' is a classic rock kind of track with a very Dio style to it! 'Evil Love' opens with a classical style piano piece before becoming a drum led track with yet more great vocals and guitar interplay.

'Black Wings' is very Praying Mantis in its composition and arrangement with its twin guitar sound and angry lyrics that cross over into Queensryche territory and then with 'Start All Over' you get a keyboard led pompous opening and then the vocals come in and the track becomes a chuck along rocker with even more vocal interplay!

As I said earlier this album is certainly marked out by O'Hora's vocals and with closing track 'Never Alone' we get a true showcase number for his voice to shine through, with the melody built around a piano base.

All in all another superlative album from Magnus Karlsson. How does he come up with such stunning riffs and Tony O’Hora is a revelation! A great UK based vocalist! This is certainly a very early contender for album of the year 2006 and other bands will have to go a long, long way to beat what O'Hora and Karlsson have produced with 'Escape Into The Sun'

www.prog-nose.org. Rated 10 out of 10 by Edwin.

Tony O’Hora was the vocalist on Praying Mantis’ ‘Forever In Time’ and ‘Nowhere To Hide’, two albums that are high on my list of all-time favourites. Later he joined Andy Scott’s Sweet, with whom he toured around the world. He just recently left the band because it was getting impossible to combine this with his regular job as a teacher in a music college. Well, he does seem to have found the time to work on a solo album: ‘Escape Into The Sun’ is a collaboration with the mighty Magnus Karlsson.

In the course of the last year, Karlsson (Last Tribe) proved himself to be a major songwriter and guitarist with Starbreaker’s debut album and Allan-Lande’s brilliant ‘The Battle’. ‘Escape Into The Sun’ is not as heavy as these, but Karlsson’s crunching guitar and strong production make this album sound extremely powerful as well.

This is an album that gripped me from the very first notes. Clearly written with Praying Mantis in mind, this is a stunning collection of gripping and intense songs, with huge melodies, brilliant musicianship and O’Hora’s out-of-this-world vocals. It’s hard to name favourites, as each and every song is of such a high quality. Still, the incredible opener ‘Broken Soul’, the title track, ‘My Final Prayer’ (goose bumps material) the very diverse ‘Evil Love’ and the ultra-emotional ‘More Than We Know’ deserve a special mention. This is everything a melodic rock fan could hope for: powerful, exciting, touching, compelling,… words just fail me.

On top of these brilliant songs, there are those magnificent performances by the two protagonists. I just can’t begin to tell you how much O’Hora’s vocals are able to move me. As for Karlsson, we already knew that he is an incredible guitarist, but his extremely beautiful piano playing lifts this album even higher.

For me, Tony O’Hora is THE most underrated vocalist in hard rock today. Let’s hope this outstanding collaboration with Magnus Karlsson will bring him the recognition he deserves…