The first time I heard Kamelot was when I was trolling My Space and found the video for the opening track, "March of Mephisto" on a friend's page. I instantly fell in love. Who would have thought that one can discover new music AND prey on the young and innocent at the same time?

First impressions draw comparisons to Dream Theater and Queensryche, the music is technical but song driven and the vocals are more theatrical than acrobatic. I definitely enjoyed the video, very spooky with that Shaggy dude from Dimmu making his angry faces and spitting black blood. I wish Beavis and Butthead were still around to give this video the right commentary. The first track also features a nice synth solo, an unusual substitute for the standard guitar solo but welcome change. Of course when you have someone like Jens Johanson from Stratovarious filling in, it doesn't take a genius to figure out a synth solo's not such a bad idea.

The second track is a speedy chugger, "When the Lights are Down" moves at a quick pace with a highly polished chorus.

"The Haunting" features Simone Simons of Epica and the feminine touch is reminiscent of Areyon.

The rest of the CD has some high points like the sweet "Abandoned" and the Yngwie inspired "Nothing Ever Dies" but overall the music is sort of two-dimensional. Don't get me wrong, it's extremely well constructed, very well written- the hooks are all rock solid and the individual playing outstanding. There's just a certain flatness to the whole thing, a lifelessness that could be attributed to digital production. There just doesn't seem to be a "band" vibe about the sound of this CD.

Still, highly recommended if you enjoy proggy melodic power metal with a focus on songs over technical ability with enjoyable, memorable hooks.

Written by Paul
Sunday, April 23, 2006
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Paul: 7/10

Members: 8/10 - Average of 1 ratings.



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Steen (Staff) Rating: 8/10 Since their first album, Eternity, Kamelot have evolved greatly. From a more or less basic... · Read more ·

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Comment by Matt (Anonymous) - Thursday, May 4, 2006

Wow, um. You didn't really explain anything at all. Not to mention Kamelot sound nothing like DT or Queensryche whatsoever.

Comment by Little Drummer Boy (Member) - Tuesday, August 22, 2006

View Profile Comments: 166 Ratings: 46 I would not say so much it sounding like DT except on the Abondoned song which has the softness that DT accomplished in the lighter moments of "Scenes From A Momorie" release. However many if the powerful guitar riffs and rythem equaled with the emotinal vocals (Khan did an outstanding job) can be compared to Queensryche. Such passages are in the verses and the bridge after the 2nd chorus of "March of Miphisto". Another Great example is in "the Pain" starting at 0:50 when that Guitar kicks in with the intermitant Puches from the Rhythem section not to mention what was going on in the solo. Musically I would say it could be compaired with the critically acclaimed "OMC I". "Moonlight" and "Memento Mori" seems to have passages little more on the experimental side of "EMPIRE". I must also say that at 7:23 of "Memento Mori", it has that strong DT feel once again from "Scenes From A Momorie". Thoughs are a few examples. I do not feel Kamelot are ripping off these bands at all, they are simply adding elements and been given comparisons to innovators in the music industry. Since they have been given a comparison to bands of such high calibure outside of the "power metal" genre (yet still being catergorized as such) they must being doing something right. Kamelot has done a good job of mixing varied elements of the Metal sub-genres, which I think has opened the doors to a broader listening audience. The Only problematic areas which I noted was the mixing of the background vocals on March Of Mephisto could have been better giving the chorus more dynamics and little areas where I feel the symphonic passages were a little misplaced. Overall I would rate this offering a little higher. But lets face it Very Good to Outstanding, as an average, is a worthing rating for any band. Posted by Little Drummer Boy Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Comment by Little Drummer Boy (Anonymous) - Tuesday, August 22, 2006

I should start proof reading my comments before posting. My spelling is horrible.

Review by Steen (Staff) - Friday, May 8, 2009

View Profile Comments: 518 Since their first album, Eternity, Kamelot have evolved greatly. From a more or less basic approach with a strong reliance on the guitar work to a full-blown symphonic experience with everything it implies. Of course the band's success has given them acces to greater production values, but it feels like Kamelot has been slowly but surely, finetuning their sound, especially through the past four albums. With The Black Halo, Kamelot evolve even further and achieve something pretty close to perfection in the production department. Musically this is a highly infectous blend of Heavy, Power and Symphonic Metal with a few Progressive tendencies from time to time. Kamelot have managed to find their own distinct sound and The Black Halo expands their universe even further. Thomas Youngblood's exceptional guitar work and the amazing melodies are still my main attraction to Kamelot. I found it funny that I was reminded of Call of the sea from Eternity right from the start when the first riff sets off March of Mephisto. Peeling away the layers shows that it is still the same band as the early days, now the keyboard and orchestra just plays a much bigger role in the music. Since it came out I've always held Dominion as my favorite Kamelot album. The old albums with Mark Vanderbilt on vocals had a very special charm, which on the later albums has been exchanged for a more polished and brighter feel, but also better arranged songs. Today it is more of a mood thing, which period I prefer. Anyway, onto the album. The last three Kamelot albums have all opened with a catchy, fast-paced melodic wonder of a song, which somehow kept improving with each album. This time things have changed. March of Mephisto is an atmospheric mid-tempo song that brings out an interesting side of the band. On guest vocals Shagrath from Dimmu Borgir lends some growls, which contrast to Roy Kahn's clear voice very effectively. While this blend works very well it is not 100% successful. It sounds like Shagraths voice has has been through the electronic blender that is vocal effects and it comes out slightly less dramatic than I had imagined. Maybe this is just me but to get the ultimate effect his voice should have been further ahead in the mix. Besides that this is a very interesting opener to the album which sets the atmosphere right from the start. Jens Johanssen also guests on the song with a keyboard solo. For those longing for that fast paced opening track your wish is granted with When the lights are down. The opening keyboard melody gave me chills right from the start. I believe I have heard it somewhere else, but I just can't place it. That's usually a good sign. The band hasn't lost their touch and the chorus is one that will grow until it sticks to your brain like a big fat singing tumor. The album is not easily digested but great things await those with patience. After 10-15 listens the songs really began to stand out. Several short atmosperic interludes add to the atmosphere and gives the album a connected feel. Unfortunately no lyrics accompanied the promo, so I won't say more than that The Black Halo continues the Faustus saga begun on Epica but it easily stands on its own. Musically the album is filled with strong songs. I will comment shortly on some of my favorites and try not to give too much away. The Haunting is a very melodic song with a feeling of yearning that draws you in and it has an absolutely wonderful ending part which shamelessly fades out far too soon. I'm guessing that Simone Simons (Epica) is the very fitting female voice in this song. Soul society is maybe a bit too keyboard reliant, but with those melodies, who cares? This pain is a more guitar driven song with a lot of energy and Nothin ever dies has a outstanding and powerful chrous. The title track uses the keyboard to great effect. In the beginning it gives the song intensity and a great sense of urgency. A varied, fast paced song and another definite highlight. Roy Kahn's voice is silky soft and extremely enticing. He has this emotional touch that makes his voice one of my favorites in the genre. Take a listen to the wonderful ballad Abandoned as an example. Kahn's voice gives the song all the drama it needs. Just beautiful. Memento Mori is an impressive 9 minute opus, slowly building towards its climax which sees the return of Shagrath in a short but cool duet with Mari (Masqueraid). But why the vocal effects on Kahn's voice? Damn, I hate that. Serenade provides a powerful ending to this wide-ranging album. A special mention goes to Casey Grillo on drums. He does a great job of keeping the music tight while adding little detail to the songs. Like the way he leads When the lights are down into the chorus and a multitude of other places where he enhances the music in a good way. The Black Halo keeps growing with each listen and contains no bad songs. Though I miss a few faster songs the album is very varied and in the end another outstanding effort by Kamelot. This band has created some of the most extremely melodic power metal and put shortly, The Black Halo is among Kamelot's best albums. Rating: 8/10 Posted by Steen (Staff) Friday, May 8, 2009