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in the '70s & '80s.-- a combination of the metal, the prog, and the symphonic in a focussed, intellegent fashion.Specific to this album, Kamelot seems to be even better focussed than most of the others on the song itself, while still maintaining the high level of musicianship, musical texture, and lyrical intelligence.This is a top notch collection, period. If only all my introductions to new groups could be as good as this one. Therefore, I did not down rate the album overall for this one faux pax.After listening to this disc in depth, I have come to appreciate something in a broader sense. I can't image how it could have been, based on the other reviews I have seen. For anyone new to Kamelot, what a way to start. One of my personal favorites from this disc is Up From The Ashes.
Most of these songs can be enjoyed "in the back ground" or in full emersion (which is my preference).The title track, with its intense drive, fantastic melody, and haunting vocals is a great piece and sets a very good background for the rest of the album. I have tried to understand why, listening to both the words and the music. The mix of poetry, sometimes complex lyicals, and, at other times, direct lyical approach, is at once both appealing and involving. For some reason, the band elects to distort Khan's vocals for an otherwise beautiful piece. If you already own the original release of Ghost Opera, I would contend that it is worth getting this one as well, especially since the price is reasonable anyway.
However, Memento Mori is also an amazing piece played live. With other groups, this might be done to hide a marginal vocal performance. If you take Kamelot, and add to them Symphony X and Dream Theater, you get a very clear picture that symphonic/prog metal has truly hit its stride in this past decade, at least as these three bands deliver their art. The first has to do with the production approach taken for the song Anthem on the first disc. I was not quite sure how to take this on first listen.
Yet, that is neither distracting nor tiresome, which normally becomes an issue with other songs from other bands like this.Of course, Morning Star is another instant classic.There are also two videos on disc 1. This song, very well written and arranged, describes a very interesting potential point of view of Pontious Pilot during the trial of Jesus. That would mean having to take the disc out of the CD player and puttin it in the DVD player.Disc 2 is the live disc. This song demands both your attention on the lyrics and, simultaneously, your attention to the musical detail. However, the reason for this escapes me. First, it is important to understand that this is my introduction to Kamelot. growl and scream) Dio or James Hettfield from time to time, whether it fits the music or not.The second issue is much harder for me to stomach. There is very little difference (amazingly) between the studio production and the sound quality of the live Kamelot.
The remix of Rule the World, at the end of the second disc, comes COMPLETELY out of left field. Blucher, a song that I believe describes the feelings of a German U-boat captan about to loose a running battle during WWII, is a very good song that just seems to keep getting better with each pass. The only other music of theirs I have heard before this set is an instrumental from the Dominion album (great piece, btw). Other bands and lead singers seem to feel a need to sound like(i.e.
I do not believe it has been re-worked versus the original release. However, as a Kamalot "rookie", here is my take on that portion of the album.Overall, I absolutely love the total arrangement approach of Kamelot. Not so here. It is highly irritating to listen to after hearing the brilliance of the rest of the disc. I believe that is the reason why this album started out by sneaking up on me.
It DEFINITELY doesn't work. In fact, it is so amazing that I have ordered the Black Halo based almost entirely upon hearing this piece on this disc.There are only two reasonably small short-comings on this album. He sings throughout all of this music, which is a refreshing change for this genre. Kamelot is an very good example of what those of us always wanted and hoped for when listening to ELP, ELO, Kansas, Judas Priest, Mettalica, and etc. They seem to have some notion of gaining exposure in the European dance market or something to that effect.
This says much about the musicianship and energy of the band.In the live set, Ghost Opera and Morning Star again reach the top of the list. It is, at a minimum, solid all the way through (with only one exception) and at times is simply brilliant.Of course, the first CD is a re-release of the original Ghost Opera CD. This disc very quickly demonstrates to me that the quality of the music in the studio has to do with the performers. Fortunately, it is at the end of the second disc and can be easily skipped without ruining the flow of the rest of the music.
But, after subsequent passes, this double CD has shot right up toward the top of my list of favorites in all types of music. Khan's voice is strong and consistant throughout both discs. Some leveling of the live sound might help, but this is very minor and probably just an issue of individual taste. The overall mix of metal, symphonic, and prog rock is never over-played in any direction and always heavily detailed.
If it is any indication how good the music is, I have not even viewed the two videos yet.
And this cd is very good like The Black Halo. The Kamelot is the Best Melodic Metal Band in the world.
the song "season's end" has quickly become one of my favorites. I already owned the first release of Ghost opera so I was a bit hesitant at first to pick up this re-release. the second disc which features a concert as well as four bonus tracks is well worth it in my opinion.
GOTSC is a wonderful illustration of this magic. He can bring you in tears as he expresses the pain and suffering of the piece and then give you the chills as he slips into character to play the Devil. The music conveys a strong kinship and respect the band members have for one another.
Khan (vocals) delivers a magnificent performance. Youngblood (guitar), Barry (bass), Grillo (drums) and Palotai (keyboards) are five star musicians in a three star (at best) world.My favorites on CD (1): Rule the World, Ghost Opera, The Human Stain (my number one pick) and Mourning Star. His expressive style is extraordinary.
Kamelot's latest offering, "Ghost Opera: The Second Coming" (GOTSC) boasts a delightful selection of complex, emotional compositions that showcases not only the superb writing skills (Khan/Youngblood) but superior musicianship of all the band members. I can only hope that Kamelot will release a DVD of that concert.Kamelot is a blend of power metal laced with prominent classical orchestrations (not David Fosterish but truly classical in nature) presented in grand theatrical style. On CD (2): EVERYTHING.This is a must buy.
Something that is rare in the music industry, but when talent such as Kamelot's becomes a united force, that talent explodes giving the listener a truly magical experience. Listeners are treated not only to a studio release replete with videos, but also a second CD covering a live concert recorded in Belgrade, Serbia.
I'm really looking forward to another qualiay DVD release (cross fingers) in the mean time this is a great listen. Yes, if you already have Ghost Opera The Second Coming is a must. The bonus Live CD and live video clip gives any Kamelot fan more listening enjoyment.
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