THE BLACK HALO

This is masterpiece, sort of like Dream Theater's Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From A Memory, Ayreon's The Human Equation, Yes' Close to the Edge, Genesis's The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, The Flower Kings' Unfold the Future, Spock's Beard's Snow. This is an album that brings Kamelot up to a new level, which is saying a lot considering Epica was probably also one of the best Power Metal albums ever.

This album slams us in the face first with March of Mephisto guesting Jens Johansson on keyboards and Shagrath's weird growls. Great opener. When the Lights are down is another track, perhaps one of the best tracks on the album. Its one of those Kamelot songs in vain of Center of the Universe or Wings of Despair.

The next songs get interesting since these songs mark another level in the Progressive realm that they had crossed at around the release of the Fourth Legacy, the songs following are among Kamelot's most progressive and catchy songs. Khan's voice remains very good and the crunching Power Metal rhythmn matches it.

Abandoned shows one of Kamelot's soft side, perhaps one of Power Metal's premier ballads. Shows of the strength of Khan's voice and the way that he uses it eloquently.

The Black Halo is a highlight on this album, probably one of the most complex Kamelot songs ever. It is also one of the heaviest on this album along with the opener. Great offbeat riff.

Memento Mori is the "epic" on this album, even though Kamelot does not follow the "Prog epic" format. It is a great song, really interesting lyrics in this one.

Serenade is a great closer with its Power Metal elements and rhythmns.

Very Good album, essential if you love Prog Power Metal, Power Metal, Prog Metal or just love Prog in general.

Buy the album to hear what I have described here, but I warn you, it is not for the average 70s Symphonic Prog junkie.