KAMELOT: Ghost Opera

Cover	Release	Style
	2007-06-04	progressive metal
	Label
	Steamhammer / www.spv.de
	Website
	www.kamelot.com
	Contact
	-
	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	44:05	SPV 80001113
	Review by / Translated by	Rating
	Vera	9,5/10
nederlands	Review
A new Kamelot album is something that a pretty large sprinkling of the progressive metal community looks forward to. When the brilliant double DVD ‘One Cold Winters Night’ was arrived in the shops, this international outfit with a growing popularity started to work hard on new songs. This time it did not turn into a concept album, but ten individual songs that showcase a surprisingly refreshing whole because of their variegation in lyrical themes and musical approach. From now on the symphonic power metal band is a quintet, for keyboardist Oliver Palotai (of German origin) became a permanent full member of Kamelot. For the recordings they preferred the conversant cooperation with Sascha Paeth, Miro and Olaf Reitmeier, so that this eighth studio album as well can glory in an excellent sound and production. And what a strong album it is! The well-known Kamelot sound got a new dimension because the band sounds much catchier. Of course orchestration and strings add some necessary dramatic touch, bombast and refinement, but a song such as ‘Silence Of The Darkness’ is a true sing along track. But let us start at the beginning. A beautiful classical intro with emotive violin opens ‘Ghost Opera’. In ‘Rule The World’ heavy guitars are featured and the sensual vocals of Kahn serpentine through all the musical heaviness in a sublime way. All the way Kamelot, that’s how I would like to describe the title track and first single. They made a first videoclip for it who shows the dramatic story of a young female opera singer. And they remain ambitious: there are plans for a videoclip of every song – a money-consuming matter which has to be proven if it comes true – but for the wonderful ‘The Human Stain’ they did in the meantime. It is a marvellous song that immediately grabs you. Piano, sensitive distorted vocals and later on fast-driven push up metal rhythms. In the past Kamelot invited a large number of guests to contribute on their albums. This time they kept it a bit simpler too and we only hear Simone Simons’ voice (of Epica) on some of the tracks and Amanda Sommerville of Aïna shines in the sublime ‘Love You To Death’ where lots of fans will shed a tear of emotion. Mark the refined violin and the magnificent guitar solo! Smashing yet melodious is ‘Up Through The Ashes’ again in full speed. But there is more! The latest four songs are the highlights of ‘Ghost Opera’. Why? Because the band succeeds in remaining his bombastic approach but at the same time they are super-fetching. Great vocal-lines indeed, and when sung by someone like Kahn we all know that we can lap it up grandly. From the devote chants at the beginning of ‘Mourning Star’ (it includes a fantastic guitar solo once more) via the standout piano ballad ‘Anthem’ (goose-bumps!) till the dramatic piano in the vigorous ‘EdenEcho’: this is top notch class! The bags are ready to hit the road once again and present all this live to the fans. But first enjoy the limited edition of ‘Ghost Opera’ where you can find – next to the regular album – an extra track, videoclip and interesting footage of “the making of the video”. Kamelot can continue its victorious march!
Musicians
Khan: vocals Thomas Youngblood: guitars Glenn Barry: bass Oliver Palotai: keyboards Casey Grillo: drums
Tracklist
Solitaire (0:59) Rule The World (3:39) Ghost Opera (4:06) The Human Stain (4:00) Blücher (4:02) Love You To Death (5:12) Up Through The Ashes (4:59) Mourning Star (4:37) Silence Of The Darkness (3:42) Anthem (4:23) EdenEcho (4:13)
Discography


Beekstraat 1 - B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium