This album is....well..It's Kamelot. On one hand that is a good thing because they really have worked their sound out and really know how to create amazing music for that sound. Everything you love about Kamelot is still there. Also it is as catchy top to bottom as any album they have released. Make no mistake about it, I have enjoyed this album the past week or so.
So why I am I still hesitant to sing it's praises without reservation? While it is very good, it is also completely safe. There are no chances taken on this album, and for a band this far into their career, it is somewhat disconcerting that they seem content to release albums that are so predictable. I understood them playing it safe on Silverthorne to keep their fans happy after losing Khan. But this is the album where they really could have let go some and tried something new with a singer that can do some new and different things.
Honestly, the last two albums have made me reexamine Poetry for the Poisoned. When it came out I thought it was very dark and not nearly as welcoming as their previous work. Now I appreciate it so much more because it is a departure in terms of sound (not huge, but noticeable). I am enjoying that album a lot lately and think Once Upon a Time is one of my favorite Kamelot songs of all time.