KARMA

Karma is the fifth of six studio albums released by Kamelot. It has been out for a couple years so if you're into this kind of music you probably own it. Therefore, this review is for the stragglers (there's always some), the fence sitters and the non-believers, if they haven't clicked off yet and the ever curious.

Now there are different versions of Power Metal as well. My favorite bands are the ones that introduce a symphonic element, sometimes with choirs into their music. Kamelot is such a band and I am visibly impressed by their larger than life sound, so let's talk about Kamelot, shall we?

Kamelot was formed in 1991 and released their first album, Eternity four years later. Their lineup has changed slightly since then and has been greatly enhanced by the addition of ex-Conception singer, Roy Kahn, who is one of the best pure singers around. In 2003 they released their sixth album called Epica, which I will review at a future date.

Highlights

"Regalis Apertura"

"Regalis Apertura" is an bombastic instrumental introduction, reminecent of Chariots of Fire, featuring keyboardist, Cy Miroff.

"Forever," has a speed metal tempo but Roy Kahn's singing and the rest of the band play at a normal pace. Song has very pleasant melodies, the kind that sticks in your head.

"Wings of Despair" is exceedingly inspiring, engendering a feeling of heroics within the music and chorus.

"The Spell" has a catchy mid tempo beat and melody and is, again, the kind of song that sticks in your mind for days. This song definitely has a rock edge.

"Dont You Cry" is a balladic tribute to founder/lead guitarist/songwriter, Thomas Youngblood's deceased father.

"Karma" very nice opening on this medium fast paced piece with a catchy beat and an eastern flavor melody. Kahn's vocals are exceptional.

"The Light I Shine On You" is a nice medium paced number with lovely melodies and lyrics.

"Temples of Gold" is like a power ballad, gradually building up steam from placid-to- heavier dynamics, with an eastern melody and mournful lyrics.

"Across The Highlands", a medium paced song where the guitar work is stellar, evolving between majestic and aggressive with ease.

"Mirror Mirror" this and the next two songs tell the about the bloody history of the infamous Romanian Countess, Elizabeth Bathori. Part I, "Mirror Mirror," is a beautiful but haunting composition with bells, keyboards and strings.

"Requiem for the Innocent" is Part II of the Elizabeth Trilogy, a vile sixteenth century countess who sought immortality by taking baths in the blood of over six hundred subjects. Part II ups the intensity with Youngbloods crunchy riffs leading towards the finale of Part III, "Fall from Grace."

Conclusion

I'm glad to tout an American band for a change for I'm afraid most young American musicians have abandoned heavy metal. I once read a statement by someone unknown, that has turned out to be very true, "Heavy Metal didn't die, it just emigrated to Europe".

Now this music is starting to come back to us in various sub-genres, via Lacuna Coil, Within Temptation, In Flames, Nightwish, Therion, Rhapsody, Sonata Arctica and others with a delicious exotic European seasoning.

Whereas, I warned readers that Blind Guardian, Evergrey and a couple other groups would take multiple plays to get used to and appreciate, this is NOT the case with Karma. I believe alternative, rock and pop affectionados could jump right in on Karma and dig it right away. Maybe thats because it's an Americanized version of Epic Power Metal but I think it's because Roy Kahn is a popular music style singer and the music really isn't all that much different from that played on top twenty stations.