KARMA

My only experience with KAMELOT was with their excellent "Black Halo" release. I would describe that one as more powerful than "Karma" and Khan seems much more restrained on this record as well. Having said all that this album has too many great songs on it for me to rate it lower than 4 stars.This is very melodic Power-Metal with some fantastic vocals folks. And the cover isn't bad either.

"Regalis Apertura" is an instrumental intro to the album. It is orchestral and sounds like it's part of a movie soundtrack. "Forever" gets the blood flowing with a nice heavy, fast paced sound. Yeah, we're cooking now ! The song calms down with some piano but the rest is brief and we're galloping along again. "Wings Of Despair" opens with guitar as we get right into another barn burner. The guitar throughout this song is excellent. "The Spell" opens with an almost a waltz-like rhythm. The guitar work of Mr.Youngblood is a highlight for me on this track, especially during the last minute. "Don't You Cry" is a tribute to Youngblood's dad who died when he was 12 years old. Acoustic guitar and reserved vocals lead the way in this incredible ballad. "Karma" opens with some nice drum work as piano, double bass drumming and steller guitar work shine on this one.

"The Light I Shine On You" has some more great vocals and guitar. This song has some crunch ! "Temples Of Gold" is one of my favourites. I love Khan's vocals on this slower paced tune. Piano and soaring guitar to end it. "Across The Highlands" is an uptempo song while "Mirror Mirror" opens with the sounds of a music box as passionate vocals and a lovely guitar solo follow. "Requiem For The Innocent" has a powerful intro that settles down then picks up again. This sounds fantastic ! We get some orchestration as well. "Fall From Grace" opens with a fast paced section where they are playing flat out. The guitar is on fire and Khan is at his theatrical best. I was reminded of Bruce Dickinson when Khan gives us a vocal melody 2 1/2 minutes in.

I am of the opinion that if you want to check out KAMELOT this is where you should start and go forwards from here chronologically. No we do not need the Karma Police for this one, besides the band would probably beat the hell out of them anyway.