Once upon a time, not long ago in a place not at all far from here, my taste in music was not what it should have been. The bands I loved weren't really amazing bands. They had decent, good, occasionally great lead singers, and faceless band members that served up the same simplistic, boring riff and verse/chorus/verse/chorus structure for at least an hour. I ate it all up. I don't know why. But eventually, something inside me clicked, and I began seeking out music with more complexity. Fuller sounding music. Better music all around.

By doing this, I discovered bands in which every single band member is very skilled at what he or she does. What a concept!

Enter progressive power metal masters Kamelot. As you may have concluded, Kamelot was one of the first excellent bands I encountered. The Black Halo still manages to blow my mind, and I've also found many sources of enjoyment in all of the band's back catalogue. It's safe to say I'm a big fan. So naturally, I've been anticipating Ghost Opera for months. And since the moment I finally held this special-ordered limited edition copy in my hands, well, let's just say I can count the number of times I've put it down on one hand and still have plenty of fingers left.

The moment I heard Ghost Opera's blisteringly paced first single/title track, I knew I was in store for something special. It shot my anticipation for the album up to dangerous heights. How couldn't it? There's that infectious chorus, in which vocalist Roy Khan quickly proves he hasn't lost his touch: his smooth voice can project beautifully, moving swiftly from a reassuring near-whisper to a restless wail. There's Casey Grillo's signature speedy drumming style, a whirlwind of keyboards courtesy of Oliver Palotai, and the most vivacious sounding choir this side of Epica.

Many people lament the fact that Ghost Opera, unlike Kamelot's two previous albums The Black Halo and Epica, is not a concept album. Well, as much as I adore a concept album done right, I embrace that fact. Clearly, Khan has the ability to explore a number of topics in his songwriting. Ghost Opera showcases that very well. For instance, the anthemic chorus of "Rule The World" tackles the rise and fall of self-esteem that all humans go through on one level or another. This is a standout track indeed -- it's got a really energetic feel in the chunky yet melodic guitars, a galloping pace, and a perfect dash of Middle Eastern flair.

Sometimes I tremble like a little child
That faces morning with a broken smile
Sometimes I crumble when the shades unfurl
Sometimes I feel that I could rule the world!

Like "The Haunting (Somewhere in Time)" from The Black Halo, the guitar-heavy "Blucher" features the heavenly soprano vocals of Epica frontwoman Simone Simons. It's a minor appearance, just some lovely harmonizing with Khan in the addictive chorus, but it's enough to satisfy fans of both bands. "Love You To Death" is like no ballad Kamelot has done before. What sets this song apart is its interesting structure. It's so breezy and happy sounding; most of the band's ballads carry a much darker tone. It is actually a duet between Khan and Amanda Somerville, known for her choir work in Kamelot, Epica, and After Forever. Their voices work perfectly together, to the surprise of no one. I especially enjoy the way this track fades out, with a slow, methodic guitar solo from Thomas Youngblood.

One of Ghost Opera's most powerful moments comes in "Silence Of The Darkness," a fast-paced number with a brilliant keyboard solo and some of Khan's most impressive vocals to date. The astonishingly tender and uniquely honest ballad "Anthem" makes a quick impact as one of the most emotionally delivered songs of Kamelot's entire career. It was written by Khan while he was awaiting the birth of his first child, and the lyrics possess a realness hard to find in any music, much less metal.

I don't know your name or what I am to do
One day you'll wonder why, try to read between the lines
And you will sing for me
The way I sing for you

"Eden Echo" is perhaps Ghost Opera's most epic song. The chanting choir is used in full force here, while a thundering bass line is caressed by Palotai's mesmerizing keyboard melodies. All of this is brought to a climax as Thomas Youngblood performs a brief guitar solo before the 'oh-oh-oh's of the choir gradually fade out. Lastly, Kamelot fans are presented with "The Pendulous Fall" (if you got the limited edition like I did, and if you didn't, feel ashamed!). Again, all elements of Kamelot's sound come alive in this mid-paced song. A sea of guitars wash over Khan's passionate, multilayered vocals in this song about overcoming hard times; "Life is a pendulous fall," Khan duly observes in the chorus. This song is outstanding, so I'm happy I got the limited edition CD/DVD version of the album.

About the DVD, well, there's not much to say. It is what it is: a small bonus for hardcore fans of Kamelot. The colorful, sweepingly dramatic video for Ghost Opera is included along with what is referred to as a "making of the video" special. In reality, the "making of" is nothing more than the video being shot to the sound of the song. We see the band performing in front of a green screen, but there are no interviews or anything especially noteworthy. I don't feel the need to complain, as the DVD is certainly not the focal point of the purchase and should not be considered as such. 'A brief curer of boredom that will only appeal to die-hard fans' should be this bonus DVD's dictionary definition.

2007 has been a nice year for music so far, especially for my type of metal music. Ghost Opera is a diverse, experimental release that may initially come as a shock to Kamelot fans. It bravely journeys into the realm of mellow, lands of distortion, and strange, atmospheric, yet heavy sounds that fans of Kamelot may not expect or approve of. Indeed, it is not guaranteed that all longtime fans of the band will embrace the dabbling in industrial, the numerous changes in pace and mood, and the lack of extremely lengthy progressive songs. Still, I think Ghost Opera should by all means be investigated by Kamelot admirers and newcomers to the band. This Kamelot fan likes what she hears. Now it's your turn.






Recommended: Yes