The Black Halo: Limited Edition

---

---

Customer reviews

review by: date: 2007-04-04 rating:
Supreme progressive metal.
br /Kamelot can be proud of themselves for being trend setters rather than followers for like-minded bands in the progressive metal genre. The band debuted in 1994 with the release of `Eternity' and approximately two years later the sophomore album `Dominion' was released propelling Kamelot into the spotlight by giving them the recognition they deserve. br / br /After recording these two albums, singer Marc Vanderbilt left the band for greener pastures. Both albums were very melodic, forward-thinking in approach and Vanderbilt possessed an amazing vocal register being compared to at the time with the very mysterious and flamboyant, Midnight, from Crimson Glory. The media br /praised the release of `Eternity' hailing it as one of the most promising debuts ever. br / br / After Vanderbilt's departure, this Florida based band recruited Norwegian singer extrodinaire, Roy Khan, ex Conception (R.I.P.), to fill the vocal spot returning the band to a quartet. The main nucleus and mastermind of the band is founding member and guitarist, Thomas Youngblood who is the inspirational force, both musically as well as creatively. br / br /Since those halcyon days, the Kamelot sound has developed with each new album and the band has become very technical as all the musicians are supreme masters of their individual instruments. The voice of Khan is very enchanting and during his younger days received opera training which has equipped him superbly for his job in Kamelot. He has a mid to high range vocal range, having total control over his voice when reaching the high notes. Some of his best work can be heard singing ballads, leaving the listener bewildered as to just how superior he is. br / br /`The black Halo' was released in 2005 and quite possibility their most accomplished work to date. It has a symphonic feel, but the song writing only has got better, not that any of the previous albums were inferior. To the contrary in fact, as Kamelot have delivered the goods each time like the amazing `The forth Legacy' and `Epica' albums, showcasing what a professional ensemble they are. br / br / `The Black Halo' was recorded at the Gate Studio in Germany with long-time producer Sascha Paeth (Angra, Rhapsody). There are a whole host of guest musicians contributing to various songs like: Shagrath (Dimmu Borgir), Simone Simons (Epica) and Jens Johansson (Stratovarius) to name only a few. Furthermore, the band used a choir and symphony orchestra to give the album that extra classical and bombastic touch. br / br /The album is concept based, drawing the battle-lines between good and evil (the story began on the `Epica' release) and it is adapted from Goethe's Faustus. It really is about political, cultural and religious events at Goethe's time and is a rather interesting storyline indeed. br /Guitarist Thomas Youngblood has an incredible feel for the music he creates, incorporating some interesting staccato guitar work. He is extraordinarily talented and does not buy into the progressive metal guitar tomfoolery that some bands like to show off with extended solos etc. br / br /Powerhouse drummer, Casey Grillo delivers what can be described as a sonic blast from start to finish. The use of the double-bass drum is very apparent and he lays down some awesome footwork, giving the music such power in the faster songs. Bassist Glenn Barry is also great to listen too and the bass is right in the mix giving support to the rest of the instruments. br / br /Overall, a great album from one of the best progressive metal bands to grace our planet. I would encourage individuals that haven't heard of Kamelot before to check them out as they are truly inspirational. br / br / br / br / br /


review by: pagan_man date: 2005-02-22 rating:
the most ocnception like album of kamelot ?
KAMELOT managed to get one of metal's best vocalists when they managed to convince ex-CONCEPTION Roy Chan, to join them, a few years ago, replacing the impeccable and amazing Mark Vanderbilt at the vocal helm. Since then, they have released a barrage of sensational prog inclined, lyrical power metal albums and have established them in the upper echelon of the given genres ranks, easily nullifying some rather boring and Trite Europower bands, with their weak, one dimensional and rather flat singers. This spring KAMELOT will unleash their god knows 8th, perhaps album, if we consider the live album, a proper release. "The black halo" continues their unbroken line of awesome albums. Much heavier, than the rather allegro and lighter "Epica", this album veers into progressive territory, while I'm not sure that if it continues the concept introduced, in "Epica". I distinctly heard the mention of the name Helena, and the character from epica, also adorn the beautiful cover of this release, so I gather this must be the case. "Epica pt2". To make things even weirder and keep tongue, firmly in cheek, KAMELOT, have invited EPICA'S Ms Simone Simmons, to contribute the female vocals. Ms Simmons is a spirited Mezzo-Soprano that really enhances some of the compositions, with her beautiful ethereal delivery. While the bombast is intact here, I think the band has opted to adopt a darker, mid paced and rather less presumptuous direction. This might loose them a few points with the first time listener that might expect to be impressed by the fast paced bombast of some catchy whirlwind, but actually will probably win them a few points with the established fan base, as it adds a bit of variation to the usual proceedings, making this release a rather unpredictable, yet unlikely welcome surprise to the casual listener. Roy is his usual, god like, one of the best new generation vocalists out there along the likes of Jorn and a few others. Most excellent. Things are rather simple, if you liked "Epica", then you need to get "The Black Halo". If you like bands like CONCEPTION, CRIMSON GLORY, DREAM THEATRE and their ilk, this comes highly recommended. If you have never heard the band, imagine MAGNUM, if they played power metal, (Gee, chances are though, that you might not now MAGNUM either though... oh well.) The album might be a little less flashy than the previous ones, but it's immensely more rewarding, after 2-3 listens. The songs, make great use of the rhythmical parts to crawl under your skin, instead of simply basing them selves on a catchy chorus alone, not that they 're lacking in that department. I 'm very pleased. "The march of mephisto" reminded me of CRIMSON GLORY's "Where dragon's rule" with it's building rhythm, or something from the mid pace songs on"fourth legacy". "When the lights are down" is fast, but it's chorus is so classy and so sweet, it's really mind boggling, Imagine Queensryche, given a double bass kick, but retaining the lyricism. "The haunting" features the charming ms Simmons and is as beautiful as she is. :D "Abandoned" is the usual, tear jerking ballad (which this time is a bit of a let down really - as "Don't you cry" a "Sailorman's Hymn" and "On the coldest winter night" were probably among the best ballads I have ever heard. Each an every song holds a different promise and it fulfils it, to the letter. "Moonlight" is fragile as it is beautiful and the self-titled song, is punishing as it is, magnificent. "Memento mori" . This is real prog metal, without becoming tiresome, powerful, without becoming cheesy, it just feels SO right. Spin it a couple of times and listen to it after "Epica". A superb followup. "Nothing ever dies" almost lends a motif from an old RIOT song, and updates it to something almost, waltz like (WTF?!!) which is just so cool. "Memento Mori" is just another gem, in the bands crown, multi faceted, climatic, cinematic, ah amazing will do it justice. Somebody please stop me from praising this record, cause I might go on and write a book. Just imagine, that I 'm a sucker for commercial stuff and this is the exact opposite. Most pleasantly surprised. A really cerebral experience.

---

Similar products

Epica
Ghost Opera
Ghost Opera: The Second Coming
Kamelot - One Cold Winter's Night [DVD] [2006]
Karma

---

Similar categories

Music . Styles . Hard Rock Metal . Bestsellers
Music . Styles . Hard Rock Metal . Heavy Metal
Music . Styles . Hard Rock Metal . General AAS
Music . Substores . Regular Stores . Artist Pages Filter Nodes . Main Albums
Music . Refinements . Format (binding_browse-bin) . CD . CD Album

---