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Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, metalheads
of all ages, witness the splendor, the grace, the
finesse, the sheer aplomb of one of modern metal’s
premier names: KAMELOT. What, you may ask, has prompted
me to start throwing around complementary nouns like
they’re a buck a dozen at a fire-sale? The Florida
based band’s 8th studio album, entitled “Ghost
Opera”, that’s what. Now, I have to admit
to have never heard the band prior to this, and considering
the fact that they’ve been at it for over a
decade coupled with the fact that all it takes to
hear a band nowadays is a click to myspace, I really
don’t have any excuse as to why I’d never
lent an ear to these American maestros before. But
I had heard *of* them numerous times before. It seemed
every time these guys released an album it was met
with fevered anticipation bordering on manic glee.
I recall reading a review for their previous album
“The Black Halo” and thinking “well,
damn, I’ve just gotta hear these guys”.
Alas however I did not. But now I have. And boy-howdy
did I miss out!
What plagues me now, is how to aptly describe “Ghost
Opera” in a concise and effective manner, short
of just saying “its friggan awesome” (which
it is). This task is difficult indeed, for the album
defies classification, squirming off into new musical
territories as soon as you attempt to pin it down.
You may already know that KAMELOT are billed as a
power metal band, and yes there is a good deal of
power metal grandeur on display, but there are also
elements of progressive metal as well as a prominent
symphonic element. Symphonic-power-prog? QUEENSRYCHE
meets SYMPHONY X and DREAM THEATER? Sure… that’s
about as close to the mark as I can get to describing
the album, which is truly a shining example of professionalism.
This disc is superbly executed by a group of immensely
talented musicians, immaculately produced to a gleam
and a shine like the auditory version of polished
silver. It’s operatic, it’s majestic,
it’s powerful, but far from being an all out
bombastic exhibition, it’s also capable of restrained
grace and subtle nuance as well. So don’t let
the ‘power metal’ part frighten you. If
you like melodic metal, symphonic or prog, as well
as power metal then you simply cannot go wrong with
“Ghost Opera”. Even goth-metal connoisseurs
will find something to appreciate about this album,
with its dark and oftentimes haunting arrangements.
Bottom Line: The true strength of this album lies
not in it’s muscle, but in it’s subtlety
and restraint. KAMELOT have taken a style of music
dominated by speed, intensity, and over the top vocals
and pulled the reigns in a bit, allowing for slower,
more poignant and deeply stirring aspects to take
the forefront. Sophisticated, slick and stylish. Bravo
KAMELOT, bravo!
Also, if you should happen to purchase the limited
edition which includes a DVD you’ll be treated
to a beautifully done music video for the title track
as well as a bit of a behind the scenes on the making
of the aforementioned video. And in viewing the music
video you’ll be witness to vocalist Roy Khan’s
“metal face”. Priceless. Just priceless.
Key Tracks: Trying to pick key tracks from this album
is like trying to decide which brand of chocolate
you like best… it’s ALL good!!
Reviewed by Farron Watson |
