KARMA

Karma is probably what many Kamelot fans might consider their breakthrough album (other than perhaps The Fourth Legacy), as it was the first of three amazing albums the band would create that would drive them to relative popularity in the metal community. This is were the band begins to really mold progressive elements with their music, which is pretty much well-written power metal, starting from their debut. At this point their music is progressing in the sense that much metal progresses - rather than finding tons of odd meter, long songs, and extended instrumental passages (the stereotypes of prog, if you will) we find instead more complicated arrangements overall, blending in their classical influence, as well as more use of various keyboard settings, and better composition overall really. As well, what many might consider the cheesier qualities of power metal (cliche' power-chord riffs, double bass overuse, corny lyrics and themes, etc.) are withering away, and much to this listener's delight.

As with many others on this site, I too ran into this album after already being impressed with Epica and The Black Halo (both of which really elevated Kamelot to being considered complete prog on my book). At first I was a little disappointed (just a little) with most of it, but as with many albums it grew on me overtime, now to the point where it's among my prog metal favorites. Each song is solid and has it's own great qualities. The Elizabeth trilogy probably contains my favorite material from Karma, and is an indicator of the heights to which the band would take their music in the following two albums. There really are no weak songs on this album, everything in this work is polished and full of expression. I'd also say that in some ways it's better written than Epica, but not quite as proggy. But as this rating is unaffected by comparisons, it's still an incredible album. Oh, and Don't You Cry is one of my favorite Kamelot tracks ever. It's just absolutely beautiful.

I highly recommend this album to anyone who listens to prog metal or thinks they might be interested in Kamelot's music. And if you're already into the more power metal oriented prog, this is an album you must have ASAP. It's a bit like your typical power metal, only awesome and more progressive for sure. I have very high standards for an album being even a four on my rating scale, and this is an album that meets them quite well. An excellent addition to any prog music indeed, and pretty much essential if you like prog metal.

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