EPICA

This is a concept album that is based loosely on Goethe's "Faust". I have to say that KAMELOT have blown me away with every album of theirs that I have listened to.That includes "Karma", "Epica" and "The Black Halo". The band EPICA named themselves after this album, and their female vocalist guested on "The Black Halo". I had a real blast listening to this all week and it's difficult for me to pick my favourite between this and "The Black Halo".This is so melodic and well played. Khan once again shines, his vocals are so tasteful.

"Prologue" opens with sounds of a fire crackling and nature sounds. Suddenly we get some strings that turn into a full orchestral sound that explodes to open "Center Of The Universe". What an intro ! The soundscape is powerful as the vocals come in.This is pretty amazing. Just a sonic assault 3 1/2 minutes in. "Farewell" has a punishingly heavy intro.Check out the drum barrage 1 1/2 minutes in. A blistering guitar solo before 3 minutes. "Interlude I (Opiate Soul)" features a Gregorian-like choir that also makes an appearance on "Edge Of Paradise". This song opens with a head banging rhythm. Just a great display of vocals and heaviness later in the song. "Wander" is a beautiful ballad. Now i'm not into ballads but this isn't sappy at all, just heavenly.There is a ripping guitar solo late as well. "Interlude II (Omen)" has some cool thunder claps as piano and violin take part. "Descent Of The Archangel" is a song I like a lot. It features a guest appearance from RHAPSODY guitarist Luca Turilli. And that guitar solo is fantastic ! "Interlude III (At The Banquet)" has the sounds of a party in the background. "A Feast For The Vain" has such a catchy melody that is contrasted with a dark and heavy passage.

"On The Coldest Winter Night" opens with church bells and the sound of the wind blowing. Acoustic guitar, strings, piano and light drums lead the way in this absolutely gorgeous song.The sound of the wind blowing ends it. "Lost & Damned" opens with heavy drums, piano and synths. The guitar comes blazing in as bass and drums pound away. Fast and mid paced passages are contrasted. "Helena's Theme" has the sound of birds chirping, water running, orchestral, and guest female vocals. "Interlude IV (Dawn)" has the sound of someone announcing Helena's death. "The Mourning After" opens with these slower, heavy riffs. A very powerful intro. Heavy drums and vocals take over. A catchy rhythm with background vocals too. An amazing sound before 3 minutes. The guitar is screaming a minute later. "III Ways To Epica" opens with TOOL-like drumming. Check out the guitar, this has to be the best guitar on the album. Vocals actually get a little angry and are contrasted with his normal (I know they are far from normal) vocals.

Now I know why this is so highly rated on Prog Archives. A must have for Power-Metal fans.