THE BLACK HALO

By far the best Kamelot release ever ! This to make the most significant statement right away. It's already obvious with the impressive opener March of Mephisto, a song about the devil no doubt, very well rendered in music especially at the end of the song (4*). Next track is a fast one but not as impressive as the opener, not very long too but a very typical Kamelot track (3,25*). Third, the Haunting, is one where the exquisite voice of Khan is coming to full shining. Accessible and excellent song (3,75*) Soul Society is more in the style and quality of the 2nd song again, not too impressive but still ok (3,25*). Abandoned is a nice ballad, quite beautiful actually but not an outstanding one (3,5*). This Pain starts a bit flat until the guitar saves the song at last (3,25*). Moonlight is another accessible song but not in the meaning of simple more in a fine way (3,5*). The Black Halo is the shortish title track and is another pretty fast one. Second part of the song reminds me of Symphony X somewhat (3,25*). Nothing ever dies goes on in the same way though is a bit better as a composition (3,5*). This goes even more for the by far best track of the album and probably the best song Kamelot ever produced, Memento Mori. I wish this band made them more like this one, then I would probably be a real fan (4,75*). Serenade is the final track of the album and a nice closer (3,25*).

Mathematically it's a narrow escape for the 4 stars (3,6) but still it feels like a true 4 star album proving that a very strong track can really lift the entire feel for an album.