THE BLACK HALO

Progressive Metal can be an extremely cheesy genre. At its best (OPETH) it is filled with power, pomp and theatre, moments of drama separated by calm reflection. At its worst (RHAPSODY) it is stale cheddar, a refuge for testosterone-deficient lads to boost their fragile male egos. KAMELOT fit somewhere between the two extremes.

The opening of this album (March of Mephisto) is sensational, one of my favourite progressive metal pieces. A top-drawer riff leads into a powerful track. What a shame the album can't sustain this standard. Oh dear - the second song introduces what I think of as the SONATA ARCTICA/DRAGONFORCE riff. Yes, there's a bit more substance to 'When the Lights are Down' than that, but I find the speed hard to get past. And so it goes: for me, the album has a very uneven feeling. 'The Haunting' is excellent, 'Soul Society, with it's breakneck double-time speed, instantly forgettable. And so it goes. 'Memento Mori' is the album's other highlight, ensapsulating the album (and KAMELOT) in one nine-minute track.

KAMELOT have many of the ingredients to be a top-line band. A great vocalist, a fine guitarist and excellent rhythm section. And they can write good songs! Many people find their variety of styles refreshing, but I confess I find the speed metal stuff hard to take.

Not essential by any means, but worth listening to for the thirty minutes of genuine progressive metal.