Kamelot - Ghost Opera

[Liu]

Kamelot - Ghost Opera
SPV

The last several years have been a good period for Kamelot. Ever since the Florida Power Metal band switched gears on the Fourth Legacy album (the three previous albums are mostly forgettable), the band has delivered quality album after quality album. The question remains whether they can pull it off again for their eighth album.

From a stylistic standpoint, Ghost Opera doesn't differ greatly from their previous studio album, The Black Halo. The band has made it a point to put greater emphasis on the guitar and less on keyboards, resulting in a fairly heavy sounding album. On the other hand, the band runs into trouble with the songwriting. One may call it formulaic, but this time around the songs lack a distinct punch to them. Part of the blame may rest on the overall production, which lacks the band's signature majestic epic vibe. Kamelot songs tend to sound invariably big and something is very much missing on Ghost Opera. The intention this time around may have been to make a more straight-forward album, but its hard not to see the glaring faults.

Unlike the past albums, none of the songs on Ghost Opera is a clear standout, begging you to hit the back button in order to hear it again. Nothing comparable to Forever, Farewell or When The Lights Come Down I'm afraid. Even with these gripes though, its not like the album is a total loss. Rule The World, Up Through The Ashes and Silence Of The Darkness are memorable enough for straight-forward heavy songs. The band continues toying their progressive side with the title track, Blücher and Love You To Death.

In conclusion, Ghost Opera is the band's first really average album in many years. Perhaps its not fair to place upon them such high standards, but when the band itself set the bar that high then one no longer can be as forgiving. The possible beginning of a slump, but I am still optimistic for another Karma.


01. Solitaire
02. Rule The World
03. Ghost Opera
04. The Human Stain
05. Blücher
06. Love You To Death
07. Up Through The Ashes
08. Mourning Star
09. Silence Of The Darkness
10. Anthem
11. Eden Echo
12. The Pendulous Fall

Score: 6/10