To put
Kamelot into a precise defined box that describes their musical style is not an easy task, fortunately. Their approach is a blend of Power, Progressive, Symphonic and Melodic Metal. Karma is no exception having many elements incorporated into the different songs, and the overall picture is highly complex and full of details. All songs are special and add a distinct signature to this thorough piece of art, so here goes a short mention:
Forever is one of my all time favourite Metal tunes, this song just has it all. A brilliant emotional lyric, a great guitar melody, thundering riffs, powerful drums, soaring vocals, a harmonious piano, grooving bass parts, an expressive solo and a spectacular chorus line, just perfect.
Wings Of Despair is a song that is easily relatable, about leaving the pain behind and finding a more positive path in your life.
The orchestral mid-section works as a great breaking element and the inventive guitar solo and mega tight bass lines are other fantastic elements.
The mid-tempo groover
The Spell offers one of my favourite beginnings ever, the mystic keyboard atmosphere gets hammered to the ground with immense force and the subsequently vocal lines are pure magic. Another huge track with many exciting layers.
The beautiful ballad
Don't You Cry written in memory of Thomas Youngblood's father is a very strong song reflecting some deep and important feelings of respect and love. The mellow acoustic guitar and Khan's emotional and varied vocals melt together into an unforgettable symbiosis. It has a rich symphonic profile and the violin and cello create an amazing and spellbinding atmosphere. This one is bound to move you.
The title track is a massive and powerful ride spiced by a most phenomenal piano melody. The adventurous and eastern sounding background fits in extremely well and I love the technical drumming.
The Light I Shine On You is an amazing and very atmospheric blend of heavy and soft components. The catchy chorus gets me every time, sending shivers down my spine; this ability to transform feelings into music in such a moving and striking way is one of the most important
Kamelot trademarks.
In general I find Roy Khan's vocals some of the best in the Metal world, in the mellow
Temples Of Gold he offers some of his best, what an incredible warm and reassuring tone. This otherwise gentle ballad has a great dramatic symphonic midsection.
Across The Wastelands is one of the fastest songs on the album and the rhythm guitar is very vigorous. The chorus could have been more spectacular and a bit less monotone, but overall this is a good and intense song.
The three-parted 10-minute
Elizabeth is a tragic story about a deranged killer, overall a melancholic and well-played epic. It gains by some great dark atmospheres but I feel that the different passages could have been worked together in a more thrilling and fluid manner.
The lyrics are intelligent, interesting and extremely relatable, being a big plus for the album. Passion, respect, lost love and well. karma being main themes.
Every instrument including vocal chords is performed with great and elaborate skill, really something special and very powerful.
The production is top notch in every aspect, treated with a rich and tight fundament. The high amount of details comes rightfully to life in a complex and well-layered sound landscape. The orchestral instruments are nicely worked into the whole thing, creating some very vivid moods.
Bottom line is that this is a brilliant album, containing one amazing song after the other and the fact that you really have to listen to it many times before you feel that you have taken it all in only enhances the albums ability to be one of those you feel an urge to take for a spin quite often.
Written by
Tommy Friday, July 23, 2004
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