Kamelot
Ghost Opera
Band: Kamelot
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"Ghost Opera" is nothing short of a new benchmark for Kamelot. While the power metal group's last record, "The Black Halo" was a commendable effort, the group tended to rely too heavily on stereotypical power metal formulas.
On this record, we find Kamelot making a bold statement, expanding their song writing style by utilizing symphonic elements to conjure up a maelstrom of epically tinged heavy metal. Front man Khan sings with tremendous power and conviction, balancing melody and forcefulness in order to give the band an intensely commanding presence. "Rule The World" is cast in the image of progressive rock, while the title track offers furious riffing and an appropriately supernatural chorus. Keyboardist Oliver Palotai issues a standout performance during "Anthem." His contributions do much to enhance the symphonic direction of the group, but it's on this track that Palotai puts on his greatest performance. From thick, slamming wall of guitars to blazing lead runs to subtle acoustic undertones, Thomas Youngblood shows himself to be a better-rounded guitarist on "Ghost Opera." The Eastern-sounding introduction of "Love You To Death" is but one example of Youngblood's ability to bring varied dynamics to the music of Kamelot. With Glenn Barry holding down the bottom end with a rich, round-sounding bass tone and drummer Casey Grillo having the foresight to stick to timekeeping as opposed to complexity, "Ghost Opera" radiates both song writing expertise as well as emphasizing the individual ability of each of the band members. Individually, the members of Kamelot never try to take things too far on this record; instead the band remains content to shine as a collective, a large factor in making "Ghost Opera" such a grand success. There's a threatening darkness, which underscores much of the sounds you'll hear on "Ghost Opera." It's that dim uncertainty that makes this progression so articulately appealing. Unexpectedly compelling, "Ghost Opera" is an ostentatious example of the mightiness of modern Kamelot. Erin Fox
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