Kamelot are a band that I’ve been aware of for some time but sadly never had the opportunity to listen to. And here we are, “The Black Halo”, their seventh album. If I’m honest, after the first listen I wasn’t particularly moved but the more I hear it, the more it grows on me. And it’s worth a little patience.

What is immediately obvious is the overall grandeur, an almost operatic approach to their style of Euro/Power Metal. According to the press release, they are a four piece, but no-one seems to be credited with the keyboard duties, which I find strange as the keys feature heavily throughout. Thankfully, not in a Bon Jovi, bullshit, pop music way, but in creating a different dimension to the blistering guitar lines and bombastic rhythm section. The key to Kamelot seems to be built on depth and mood. For a four piece they create an incredible range of emotions, quiet, soulful sections (featuring a beautifully voiced young lady) and technical, soaring rock. It’s a fabulous blend.  

Overall, the album is quite melancholic, but not in a depressing way, more of an uplifting lilt. They’ve nailed the production though, even with the addition of keys and in parts, a choir. Nothing is there that shouldn’t be, and yet the sense of space is incredible. Vocally and musically, they are on top of their collective game and try as I might, I cannot find fault. Equally difficult to pick out a couple of stand out tracks as well, the album really needs to be taken in its entirety. I wouldn’t insult the band by calling it a concept album, but there is that “rock opera” quality. Each song seamlessly fits with the next.

On the version I have, there are the bonus “radio edits” of “March Of The Mephisto” and “The Haunting”, each track losing around two and a half minutes for, I assume, future single releases. In honesty, while these tracks sound great as edits, they are far better as the full album versions. Kamelot are not in any way a hit single machine and thankfully so. Their music and songwriting needs to be digested to feel the full majesty. This is one album that has awakened an interest in me and has persuaded me to purchase the other six albums (unless the band want to send me them with an X-large T-shirt !) Hey, you don’t ask, you don’t get!. Move over, Prog-Rock wafflers, Kamelot is definitely the way to go.

Let us know your views on 'The Black Halo'

Track List

March of Mephisto
When the Lights Are Down
The Haunting (Somewhere in Time)
Soul Society
Interlude I: Dei Gratia
Abandoned
This Pain
Moonlight
Interlude II: Un Assassinio Molto Silenzioso
The Black Halo
Nothing Ever Dies
Memento Mori
Interlude III: Midnight - Twelve Tolls for a New Day
Serenade

Line Up

Thomas Youngblood - Guitars
Khan - Vocals
Glenn Barry - Bass
Casey Grillo -Drums