Kamelot - Ghost Opera

Details :

• Year of release : 2007
• Label : SPV 80001113
• Review format : CD

Friday’s arrived so I thought I’d end the week with a review of the forthcoming release by American outfit Kamelot, courtesy of the SPV Steamhammer label. Honestly not a band I’ve come across previously despite this being something like their 8th full length release but their PR has them described as ’symphonic power metal’ so i’m definitely interested.

A symphonic, indeed classical feeling from the off with the string section intro Solitaire which precedes the first track proper, Rule The World. Very powerful and richly textured music its not quite what I was expecting and all the better for it. Certainly not as heavy as some power metal outfits although title track Ghost Opera moves a little closer to that description as the rattle of the double bass rhythm kicks in. However they maintain a distinctly melodic edge, the vocals of Roy Khan (enigmatically referred to only as ‘Khan’ in the inlay) ensure this whilst still accompanied by some dramatic instrumentation. The Human Stain has a more evident keyboard motif and brings Finish power metal overlords Stratovarious to mind whilst the effects laden Blücher, despite a darker sound, takes on the feel of an epic movie score.

Acoustic guitar and strings initially give the outstanding Love You To Death a medieval flavour although the gradual keyboard washes and ultimate blast of a full band take over. Dark lyrical content given further depth by superb, if uncredited, female vocals that make this track quite haunting.

Up Through The Ashes conforms to my expectations of the genre more closely as the might of the 5-piece is unleashed in a bombast of deep bass throbbing and slashing guitar. Once again’s Khan’s fine, rich tones keep the track somewhat melodic as does a royal chorus that allows the track to attain an epic feel despite not quite hitting the 5 minute mark. Mourning Star is another outstanding cut, drifting from quick and heavy verse to smooth and once again, female accompanied chorus seamlessly but here more than anywhere on the album a soaring guitar solo from the afore unmentioned founder member Thomas Youngblood really stands out.

The speed is boosted for the pure power metal of Silence Of The Darkness and once again I was making comparisons to Stratovarious although musically only as Khan’s voice is very different to Kotipelto’s. A unique feature of this track however is a profound keyboard solo drawn from the early era of progressive rock. Rick Wakeman would be proud! The album’s big ballad, Anthem follows. A piano lead piece with suitably symphonic backing its a decent piece although lyrically these bands don’t make it easy for themselves do they? The general theme of the ‘anthem of life’ is perhaps one of the wider ranging subjects a composer can choose! Majestic EdenEcho closes the album in good metal style being a full blooded power metal work out interspersed by the odd gentle plea - quite superb.

Summary : Comparisons to Stratovarius are mentioned in the review and similarities are there to the likes of Rhapsody and also Queensryche at times as well. There is a uniqueness about Kamelot as they don’t conform to strict power metal rules and possess a modern melodic feel as well as the power and the classical arrangements, whilst Gothic and prog rock influences also enter the mix. I initially listened to this album whilst working and the intricacies passed me by but by sitting down next to the speakers and properly listening this album just washed over me and drew me in. A fine release and a band I need to hear more from it deserves some time and attention and will not have the same impact if played as ‘background’ music.

If You Listen To One Track Listen To : Up Through The Ashes

Score : 3.5/5

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(nb : - Released June 1st, Germany; June 4th, Europe; June 5th, USA. Initial limited edition includes a bonus DVD)

Promo video for ‘Ghost Opera’