Kamelot - Ghost Opera
SPV - 95902 - June 5, 2007
By George Grant
The guilty pleasure. In music this secret obsession usually forms when listening to music of embarrassing proportions. Rhapsody of Fire has always been my guilty pleasure. Theres something about their epic music that captures me, albeit concealed within the comforts of my headphones. You could imagine my surprise then when I read that Kamelots newest release, Ghost Opera, was produced by long-time Rhapsody of Fire producers Sascha Paeth and Miro.
There certainly are some common characteristics that both bands share. Most notably in the bombastic orchestral touches both bands use. This was apparent with the first real track on the album Rule the World. Fans of Kamelots last release The Black Halo, will find that not much has changed with regards to the bands style. Kamelot mostly stays within the mid tempo range which ultimately allows for the orchestral moments to breathe. However, unlike Rhapsody of Fire, Kamelot are more reserved in their use of the orchestra. The music on Ghost Opera is more comparable to Luca Turillis latest release The Infinite Wonders of Creation.
Kamelot continues this pace for the next four tracks, all of them containing the soothing vocal approach of Khan as well as an infectious energy you cant help but get enthralled in. Its his vocals that create the soaring choruses Ive come to love and will no doubt transfer well in a live setting. However, as I find with most releases in this style, Kamelot loses the momentum. This occurs on the track Love You to Death, and sadly, Kamelot never seems to fully recover from this misstep. Even the crowd pleasing Up Through the Ashes couldnt save the damage that was already done. Ghost Opera just seems to drag on until the end never offering anything new and exciting as the earlier tracks.
Be that as it may, power metal fans will rejoice in this release by Kamelot. This solid and professional album will no doubt have you counting the days until the American band plays in your local town. Even people not usually fans of this style, or may not want to admit they enjoy the style, should be able to find some enjoyment in this release. Just remember to lock the door before listening.
Official Kamelot Website
Official SPV Website
SPV - 95902 - June 5, 2007
By George Grant
The guilty pleasure. In music this secret obsession usually forms when listening to music of embarrassing proportions. Rhapsody of Fire has always been my guilty pleasure. Theres something about their epic music that captures me, albeit concealed within the comforts of my headphones. You could imagine my surprise then when I read that Kamelots newest release, Ghost Opera, was produced by long-time Rhapsody of Fire producers Sascha Paeth and Miro.
There certainly are some common characteristics that both bands share. Most notably in the bombastic orchestral touches both bands use. This was apparent with the first real track on the album Rule the World. Fans of Kamelots last release The Black Halo, will find that not much has changed with regards to the bands style. Kamelot mostly stays within the mid tempo range which ultimately allows for the orchestral moments to breathe. However, unlike Rhapsody of Fire, Kamelot are more reserved in their use of the orchestra. The music on Ghost Opera is more comparable to Luca Turillis latest release The Infinite Wonders of Creation.
Kamelot continues this pace for the next four tracks, all of them containing the soothing vocal approach of Khan as well as an infectious energy you cant help but get enthralled in. Its his vocals that create the soaring choruses Ive come to love and will no doubt transfer well in a live setting. However, as I find with most releases in this style, Kamelot loses the momentum. This occurs on the track Love You to Death, and sadly, Kamelot never seems to fully recover from this misstep. Even the crowd pleasing Up Through the Ashes couldnt save the damage that was already done. Ghost Opera just seems to drag on until the end never offering anything new and exciting as the earlier tracks.
Be that as it may, power metal fans will rejoice in this release by Kamelot. This solid and professional album will no doubt have you counting the days until the American band plays in your local town. Even people not usually fans of this style, or may not want to admit they enjoy the style, should be able to find some enjoyment in this release. Just remember to lock the door before listening.
Official Kamelot Website
Official SPV Website
