|
Karma Kamelot |
|
Besides maybe the band themselves, who could've thought ten years and five albums later Kamelot would evolve into one of the most sought-after finds in the Majestic Metal realm? Sure the potential was there but their arrival came at a time when not only Metal was breathing its last breath but who could be so bold to embrace the soon engulfing Euro-Metal tactics of instrumentalism and melody? More impressive yet, Kamelot is an American band yet even today for those who don't know better, theirs is the signature German Power Metal sound-and on their fifth release, the mastery that began years earlier continues to prevail. Their "Fourth Legacy" release from '99 was easily the class of their career and one of the top Metal records of the year, so as such, it'll be hard to beat. The drive, determination and creativity however have not wavered and "Karma" is indeed on the same level as its last studio predecessor. Opening in true curtain raising style, "Regalis Apertura" signals a brief beginning to the story to yet unfold and soon after it does in thunderous doses with "Forever," a fast paced personally evocative song wrought with romanticism and hope, while "Wings of Despair," brings their ever-widening riff to life with some intricately woven melodies and sadness. Newcomers to the scene will bask in the haunting yet passionate character of the music, melodic beauty merged with furious beast and a vision for a wondrous future-"Karma," powerful as the word itself, leaves little thematic vulnerability, though conceptually cognizant, it strives to spread its wings independently and take flight into the majestic midnight sky as the many who've come before. The title track furthers an already inspired work of musicality nearly halfway through, turning swiftly to the Progressive jets in Dream Theater-like measures with Savatage-like sincerity, softness surrounds at first through the gentle maneuvering of the piano keys which abound throughout but are quickly overtaken by sudden strikes of riff and double-bass before standing back to let the orchestration peak through in a well placed mid-song break… definitely one of their shining moments. "Karma" closes out with a trilogy based on Countess Bathory, oft heralded dark figure of the middle ages whose evil-doings have fostered many a darker sided musical lyric. First with the Styx-like beginnings of "Mirror Mirror," to the full Metal ensemble of "Requiem For The Innocent," dreadful, dreary and amongst the more soulful extremes on what is an altogether artful act of ambitiousness… "Fall From Grace" returns to the blazing style of the beginning with "Forever," and for the next little while you're overtaken by a barrage of Speed-driven power, madness and might before an unsuspected new age break arrives to bring a moment of sanctity toward the close… Kamelot's "Karma" continues on where "The Fourth Legacy" left off while breathing new life into what had been becoming a tiresome journey of instrumental wisdom and an epic-struggle for survival… they've kept the songs short, catchy and to the point without sacrifice of depth, integrity or narrowing of the all-important visceral scope that'll keep bands like this alive while the others are still swarming to leap from the pages of their outdated storybook fantasies. Released by Noise Records: http://www.sanctuaryrecordsgroup.com/
Review by Vinnie Apicella
[va85@columbia.edu] |