Kamelot - The Black Halo

Kamelot was formed in the early nineties by vocalist Mark Vanderbilt, guitarist Thomas Youngblood, bassist Glenn Barry, and drummer Richard Warner. Their first two albums (1995's Eternity and 1997's Dominion) established themselves as a progressive metal band to watch and even with the talented Vanderbilt singing, Kamelot were usually considered another Queensryche clone. New members Casey Grillo (drums) and ex-Conception singer Roy Khan joined for the more mature sounding Siege Perilous. With each record (The Fourth Legacy, Karma, Epica), Kamelot's stature grew, culminating with a headlining performance at the Prog Power Festival.

Kamelot's contract with Noise ended following Epica and they take a step up with S.P.V. on The Black Halo. The record label isn't the only change as Kamelot deliver the heaviest and darkest album of their career as well. Like some others, I had become bored with Kamelot as the four albums with Khan didn't have enough variety to stimulate my interest. "March of Mephisto" opens The Black Halo and it's shockingly heavy, dark, and atmospheric; also featuring a brief appearance by Dimmu Borgir vocalist Shagrath. Next is the equally killer "When the Lights Are Down," a fast and heavy track and these two songs will surprise Kamelot fans. There's a couple other standouts, including "The Haunting," the dynamic epic "Memento Mori," and the heavy title track. Traditional Kamelot fans will be pleased with the catchy "Soul Society," the Queensryche-like "Moonlight," and the ballads: "Abandoned" and "Un Assassinio Molto Silenzioso." These songs prove Kamelot hasn't entirely embraced their new style but I applaud their desire to grow and branch out.