Review | Keys – Infinity Parabellum

Escape Music

When the name Mark Mangold is being mentioned, I always pay attention. This keyboardist/songwriter and producer has a career that has been stretching for over five decades (and counting) being involved with bands such as American Tears, Touch, Drive, She Said, The Sign and more recently House Of Lords. If we look at the albums that he participated on during the years the list becomes even more impressive with names such as Michael Bolton, Cher and not to forget Benny Mardones (just to name a few). More recently he also can be heard of the fantastic ‘Sign Of The Wolf’ record and the third volume of ‘Turkish Delight’. And there was and is a lot more to Mark Mangold.

KEYS

Some years ago, Mark started a new project with singer Jake E (Cyhra, Amaranthe) under the banner Keys. ‘Infinity Parabellum’ is the third Keys-album. So, what is so different about Keys? Well, all albums of Keys do not have one guitar on them. Everything is done by keyboards,  drums and vocals. No guitars, I hear you think, that cannot be very interesting except maybe for keyboard freaks?! Wrong! On ‘Infinity Parabellum’ Mark and Jake are moving musical mountains together with the drummers Alex Landenburg (you might know him from Kamelot) and Adde Larsson.

VAN HALEN

If you are into rock, you will be familiar with Van Halen and that earthmoving first album that featured Eddie Van Halen’s world famous solo ,,Eruption’’. A guitar statement that even after all these years sounds monumental. ‘Infinity Parabellum’’ features Mark Mangolds version of that solo. It sounds unbelievable, a perfect carbon copy but played on keyboards! I absolutely was knocked out by this magical moment.  Still, I just can’t comprehend how Mark Mangold did this. It is a must hear experience, people!

HIGHLIGHTS GALORE

,,Eruptions/Flamethrower’’ is a huge highlight but there is so much more to discover and enjoy. At moments you are hearing a pure hard and heavy band (,,Message From The Void’’), the next moment it is like you are listening to the perfect cross between a heavy band and a more progressive seventies/eighties rock band (,,Jannus’’). In fact, all songs are super impressive like the mesmerizing  and sophisticated track ,,Beautiful World’’, a great ballad where Jake E shines. There is a lot of music here for you to discover. I just picked out a few tracks to give you something to go on but the bulk is for you to unravel and above all enjoy,

VOCALS, DRUMS AND MIX

If you think that ‘Infinity Parabellum’ is just about Mangold showing his stuff, think again. The album is also being carried by the incredible singing of Jake E who can reach 4 octaves without any sweat. Over the whole album his singing is flawless and full of depth. The drummers Landenburg and Larsson also play a big part. Their inventive but also very powerful way of playing add strength, heaviness and at times a stormy thunder to the whole record. And there is a certain Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69/Magnum) who has a fine reputation as producer. This album was produced by Mark and Jake but Dennis Ward has given this record a very crispy and powerful mix, adding an extra dimension to the proceedings.

KEYS – THE CONCLUSION

Yes, this is a different cup of tea, I realize that. Fans of progressive rock but also a genuine hard rocker with an open and adventurous musical mind should be ashamed of themselves if they ignore ‘Infinity Parabellum’, as this is one of the most remarkable albums that 2026 will bring us. The only one who can top this record is Mark Mangold himself as he has found a new vocalist for Drive, She Said, so hopefully there is more to come of this musical magician this year. But until then, discover and brighten your musical horizon with ‘Infinity Parabellum’! It is a peach!

Release date: 20 February 2026