Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Kamelot - Eternity CD (album) cover

ETERNITY

Kamelot

 

Progressive Metal

2.76 | 57 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Easy Livin
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin
3 stars Walking in the path of a maiden

"Eternity" takes us back to where it all began for Kamelot. This is therefore the first of just two albums by them to feature Mark Vanderbilt on vocals, as he and drummer Richard Warner would quickly move on after the recording of the following "Dominion".

While the music here may not be that which now defines the band, there are nevertheless strong indications of their potential. The symphonic intro to the opening title track for example offers the reassurance that the band are confident enough to embellish what would otherwise be a straightforward rock/metal number.

The sound is that of Iron Maiden and the myriad of bands who have followed in their path. Vanderbilt has a strong voice which is suited perfectly to the style the band adopt here. His delivery is very much in the Bruce Dickinson way as he delivers suitably imaginative lyrics. The track actually has a reasonably prog structure, but while the guitar work of Thomas Youngblood is impressive, it is very much in the multiple notes to the second vein of the metal style.

Despite some rather predictable sound effects, "Call of the sea" is one of the album's highlights, the powerful anthemic riff supporting some fine guitar work and a compulsive hook. "Red sands" also shows a willingness to develop a track beyond the simplicity of its basic structure, perhaps not to the extent of becoming a prog epic, but the softer core of the song makes for a pleasing diversion.

The tracks are all of a similar pattern in terms of composition and arrangement, each falling within a narrow 4-6 minute running rime. Personally, I would have liked to have heard a bit more variety, especially in terms of the guitar soloing and the under exploited keyboards. Towards the end of the album, we do finally find that variety. "What about me" is a well constructed rock ballad with fine acoustic instrumentation over orchestral keyboards. A brief acoustic guitar and flute (sound) interlude "Etude Jongleur" link this to the final track "The Gleeman" which returns us to the substance of the album.

Overall, this is a highly competent first album from a band who would go on to greater things. Recommended for those who enjoy melodic metal.

Easy Livin | 3/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this KAMELOT review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.