GHOST OPERA

Phew! Finally . it's time to review. Well, this album falls under Category A, i.e. a music that blew me away first time when I listen to it. In fact I have been spinning this CD more than 16 times already. It's not that I need to get familiar with the music but it's more on "wanting to" listen to it over and over. When the CD arrived at my address last Friday (29 Jun 07) right after I watched an awesome Prog Nite by IPS (Indonesian Progressive Society), I had not listened to any other CDs but this new album by Kamelot. Only last night (July 1, 2007) I inserted other CD in my play list. I don't know why this album has created strong magnet that has tied me for such a long time without any willingness to spin other CD at all. This is amazing!

So now, you get the picture on how I truly admire Kamelot "Ghost Opera". I regularly posted my comments about how great this album is through i-Rock! mailing list where I have been an active member since its inception last year. Well, at least I have created curiosity to the mailing list members about how great this brand new album of Kamelot. In fact, I love this band since its "The Fourth Legacy" album onwards. Each album released was excellent! I think the key factor of Kamelot's music in winning my heart and my mind is their wild creativity in infusing great and touchy melody into power metal music. I have not known any Kamelot's song after "The Fourth Legacy" that has weak melody. Well, at least the melody, on average for all songs are excellent.

Why this album is a masterpiece?

The Composition. I think the main thing that I want to put upfront for this slbum is its solid and coherent composition from opening track until last track plus the bonus track (mine is a limited edition CD with bonus track "The Pendulous Fall". At least, the first time I listened to the CD (it was 2:00 PM in the morning, because I could not wait until the next morning after waking up - so "curious" about the music) my initial comment after spinning entire CD through my laptop was: "Solid!". It might be hard for you to define what "solid" really means, but I am sure you can taste and feel it yourself. My simple definition is that each elements and segments of the music is delivered in really tight arrangement so that it does not allow you to comment "why like this? Why not like that?". It's simple and ain't gonna tell you in scientific definition because I am not able to. You know my principle: "Music is emotion". Hey, the composition of this album does stir my emotion! So, what do I need more from this album? Nothing! Every single composition is a perfect one. Am I exaggerating? Honestly, not at all. You might disgaree with me and be it, I don't mind at all.

The Stream of Music. Oh yes, this album provides me with a great stream of music that flows very naturally from opening track which comprises only violin solo "Solitaire" and it blasts off wonderfully with "Rule The World" which has great lyrics. The title track also brings in another power to the music that makes the flow even better! What a surprise that at the fourth track "Human Stain" the band delivers a groovy music that you might have never imagined the band would ever deliver! For sure, you would not be able to say that Kamelot is a power metal music if you only listen to this song only. The first time I listened to this song, it created another nuance. It's brilliant! The music brings to another great track "Blucher" which contains heavy riffs combining bass, guitar and drums. "Love You To Death" is really a dark and great ballad composed with really great opening augmented with beautiful orchestration. My friend, David Dewata, who is now overseas at Ottawa sent me an SMS about how great this track is for accompanying him during his trip. Roy Khan is now singing with female voice and the melody and lyrics are really touchy. All other songs are great. Even the bonus track is really great.

Another friend of mine, Dimensi, commented at my blog that the music of Kamelot is now becoming "predictable". Well, I interpret the term "predictable" differently. As far as my ears, my heart, and my mind concern .. the music of Kamelot since "The Fourth Legacy" album has been "predictably" great! The composition has become matured in a way.

Matured Musicians. One thing very peculiar about Kamelot is the fact that each musician is nothing dominating one to another. There is no such song that explores long solo of particular instrument (usually guitar and keyboard). Each member seems to contribute evenly to the music. There is no song that demonstrates technical skills of the player. Even though the music is delivered in a comprehensive way without demonstrating certain instrument, but I can see that Casey Grillo's drumming is top notch! Roy Khan voice has become much more deep and thick and he mostly sing in low to medium register notes. This is unusual for power metal band, but Kamelot has proven that power metal does not necessarily mean a music full of screams and distortion!. All songs delivered in this album has particularly less (or no) distortion at all. All riffs are delivered in its cleanest form.

The Miro and Sascha Paeth Factor. For those of you have not been familiar with power metal, you might not know these two gentlemen. These duo have produced many power metal bands including Kamelot and Rhapsody and they have always been excellent albums whenever these two gentlemen were involved. Miro has contributed for orchestration of this album. And this new album by Kamelot is the one with the most intense orchestration compared to any previous album. The orchestration is so dynamic and it enriches the composition especially in providing maneuvers at transition pieces where Miro has put string arrangements. It's a great orchestration work!

Any shortcoming(s) from this album?

NOPE! Everything sounds terrific to my ears, my mind and my heart. I have now been listening to this album for its 18th spin! Everything is so perfect and I have no further expectation at all! I'm facing the wall of great satisfaction!

BRAVO KAMELOT! KAMELOT RULES THE WORLD!

Sorry for being too emotional with my review. I could not help it. Music is emotion . This album is a true masterpiece of power metal and I have been engrossed with the music. It makes me NGGEBLAK! man ...

Peace! for those who love Kamelot! Long live Kamelot!

Who will trade his karma for my kingdom?

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