GHOST OPERA

First times I heard this album I was not as impressed as when I heard Black Halo, but slowly, insisting, it really grew on me, now I feel it's just as good as B.H. but different. The prior 3-4 albums all had a very cohesive nature, with songs fusing one into the other, a very homogeneous nature and a more distinct atmosphere making them more acceptable and digestible for the prog public. This album consists of more distinct songs, separate, different atmospheres, different subjects, which for many may result in a spotty overall experience. It's more like a DVD of short films instead of one long epic movie.

What I most liked in this album is that it's not as aggressive and repetitive as the prior outings, gives you time to breath. The drummer gets a chance to vary in the rhythm, more subtle, more options, more chance to shine, not just a thundering fast train (not all the time at least). Same goes for the other musicians, we even notice that there's a bass player too. Khan as always, very professional and with his very recognizable voice and the highest quality interpretation.

Songs distinctly structured and different one from the other, as mentioned the rhythm changes a lot, standouts are The Human Stain, Anthem, Blücher, Love you to death, but I enjoy all the songs and despite having this album in heavy rotation since it was published, it's not tiresome at all, a sign of high musical standards. Lyrical subject matter varies more and makes it all more interesting too in the long run.

As a personal opinion, I'd say Kamelot is maturing, not just a high energy power metal group, they are showing us they are more than a one trick pony. I think that the attained popularity has given them a bit more space, more creative liberty regarding their output, I hope this will continue, as the route they had taken with the prior albums was too restrictive and would have become monotonous in the long run.

Give it time and it might grow on you too (not as a fungus, more like an extra eye ;-)).

I know Kamelot can go even further, so this album receives a 4 star review from me, at the same level as Black Halo.

Looking forward to their next effort and hopefully they'll come and visit Mexico so we can have the privilege of seeing them live too.

Congratulations Kamelot, keep it up!