Why does a Hamburg band call its new album Kazakhstan? Kazakhstan is a former Soviet republic that receives little attention. Although geographically belonging to Central Asia, Kazakhstan lies
between Europe, China and the Arab world, and influences from these three regions can be found in Kazakhstan - just as various influences can be seen in Ricochet's music. Kazakhstan is strongly
influenced by the (apparent?) contradiction between tradition and modernity; this is also reflected in Ricochet's music, which brings together musical elements of rock music from several decades.
Last but not least, Kazakhstan also shows the environmentally destructive effects of human intervention in nature - a topic that is certainly one of the most current and important concerns of
humanity. The album cover shows a surfer standing in front of a dried up lake. The surfer shows the contradiction between resignation and hope; whether he is a hopeless optimist, a naïf or an
incorrigible rebel, everyone can decide for himself.
The album cover also shows around which musical central idea many of the nine pieces entwine.

However, Kazakhstan does not want to be a concept album like the previous album. Kazakhstan shows that the first album with Michael Keuter is characterized by much more rocky and earthy vocals. The concentrated power of Michael Keuter's voice needs the appropriate instrumental counterweight and results not least in a harder sound. This change also influenced the songwriting, which has become more compact, more powerful and clearer overall and takes up influences of
the 70s Progressive parts, which are typical for Ricochet, come to light again and again. The songs are always melodic; a variety of different tempos, as well as the characteristic time and key changes make the music varied. Musically, this album can be located in the transitional areas of progressive rock, classic rock and metal. With Kazakhstan the best song ideas of Ricochet from the last ten years now find their way to the listener.

As with the previous albums, Ricochet relied on the absolute ear and technical skills of sound engineer Jens Lück (aka "Single Celled Organism") and his Art of Music studio.

The completion of Kazakhstan was of course also significantly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Strict conditions were already in place during the recording process. During the mix it was important for the band to be as complete as possible, which was not possible until the fall of 2021. The same applies to live performances and a possible CD release party. In the meantime, however, the band is in good spirits to follow up the successful live history (including a performance at W:O:A 1998) with further highlights in the near future.