Pros: Roy Khan’s voice, the Ghost Opera Choir, orchestrations, good solid guitar driven tunes and solos
Cons: Every track is not as polished as what I am use to from the band
The Bottom Line: Something here to please a variety of fans, particularly those who enjoy Power/Speed Metal, Melodic Metal, Heavy Metal and of course Symphonic Metal...
Some albums require several spins before one can fully appreciate it and this is exactly what I felt with Kamelot’s Ghost Opera. On the very first spin I wasn’t sure how I felt about the album, having only been introduced to the video of the title track “Ghost Opera”, the material was somewhat different and I certainly was not as blown away as I was the very first time that I listened to The Black Halo, Karma or Epica. So, perhaps a little disappointed? No, not disappointed at all, just very perplexed about it in the beginning. I guess you can say I wasn’t expecting such a heavy dose of metal.
Though I’m happy to report, the beauty of the disc did eventually reveal itself to me after the umpteenth spin. One of the most obvious observations I made early on was the simplistic guitar riffs on hand. But add to those guitar licks some excellent keyboards and orchestrations and some superb guitar solos (courtesy of guest guitarist Sacha Paeth no doubt) with an above average rhythm section and you’ve got a formula for a good mix of some truly epic sounding metal.
Yes, you’ll find a couple of fast speedy tracks (“Ghost Opera”, “Silence of the Darkness”), some softer ballads (“Love You to Death”, “Anthem”), and some rather heavy moments in “Blucher” and lets not forget the more melodic side of the band with tracks like “Up Through the Ashes” and “Mourning Star.”
Ghost Opera - the album - does not sound or feel as polished as The Black Halo, but the production is good and the cover art is just as stunning and intriguing as the music we find on the album.
The show starts with a short violin introduction, something to put you in the right mood, a little “Solitaire” calmness before Khan attempts to “Rule the World” and he effectively shake things up quite nicely. The title track then comes along with its huge orchestrations and the added Ghost Opera Choir. So far, there is evidence of a grandiose epic album, proof that keyboardist Oliver Palotai is leaving his fingerprints all over this opus and making his presence and talent known to the world. Wait a minute, there’s another guest musician named Miro who also gets credited for orchestrations and keys…hummm, maybe Palotai needed more fingers?
“The Human Stain” is another track presented with much energy just like “Rule the World.” “Blucher’s” eerie opening intro and the boisterous beats, simply adds to the hard rocking moments of the preceding songs. Simone Simmons (Epica) makes a notable guest appearance on this track. At this point of the album, I’m feeling the heaviness, it is more guitar driven, less speed overall with a more symphonic feel to it.
“Love You to Death” is the first ballad, some female vocals mixed in with Khan’s ever-powerful vocal chops. On “Up Through the Ashes”, the band returns to the heaviness of the thirst half of the album. Khan receives more assistance from the Ghost Opera Choir in the chorus. Some vocal effects are also used for atmosphere and mood purposes.
“Mourning Star” includes the Ghost Opera Choir again (2 males & 2 females) and the female lead vocals are performed by one Amanda Sommerville. It is a very soothing moment with some wonderful atmosphere and a stronger more vigorous chorus. “Silence of the Darkness” is the one power metal track that reminds of the old Kamelot, I mean, the band couldn’t go without including at least one track performed at hyperspeed. “Anthem” is the big piano driven power ballad on hand. Some will agree with me when I say it is amongst one of the best the band has to offer, right up there next to “Don’t You Cry” from Karma. The album comes to a close with “Edenecho,” another very solid piece of heavy metal bliss.
Power metal fans will probably be disappointed with the lack of overall speed on hand. Myself, I enjoy it for what it is; the album works for me, and it delivers a delicious piece of symphonic metal for those who enjoy this genre and style of music.
Thomas Youngblood and Roy Khan put much less emphasis on speed and double bass drums and a lot more focus on orchestrations, small choirs and guitar driven music. In my view, this formula is just perfect for a live show and what an opera this will be!
Tracklist:
01 - Solitaire (Instrumental) (9/10)
02 - Rule the World (9/10)
03 - Ghost Opera (8/10)
04 - The Human Stain (8/10)
05 - Blücher (9/10)
06 - Love You to Death (7/10)
07 - Up Through the Ashes (8/10)
08 - Mourning Star (7/10)
09 - Silence of the Darkness (10/10)
10 - Anthem (10/10)
11 - EdenEcho (9/10)
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