Kamelot – Ghost Opera (SPV)
Kamelot's last couple of albums have lifted them to international
underground metal stardom, and Ghost Opera makes it obvious that Kamelot
won't be losing ground any time soon. Both the music and the vocals are some
of the finest that I have heard on an album in quite some time. Ghost Opera
will not only satisfy long term fans of Kamelot, who have continually
striven to push metal into new territory, but will also bring new fans into
the fold.
Musically speaking, Ghost Opera is nothing short of epic, and the album
title is definitely appropriate. Ghost Opera combines the nuances of
classical instruments (strings, brass, and voice) with the sounds of an
unflinching metal ensemble so effortlessly that they are no longer in two
separate genres. On this album the guitar weeps while the violin screams.
Vocally this album is just as impressive. Anyone who has heard Kamelot's
lead singer (Khan) before will know what to expect and will not be
disappointed. Khan is also accompanied by a female vocalist on a couple of
the tracks which does nothing but add to the albums depth. There is also an
unexpected, but not unpleasant, vocorder effect used on the fifth track of
the album.
Overall, I would say that Ghost Opera is an excellent addition to Kamelot's
arsenal and I will be excited to see what the future holds for them.
-Brian Emery
