Album Review: Kamelot – Dark Asylum
Reviewed by Oli Gonzalez
In the ever changing and challenging landscape that is the live music industry, longevity is everything. Many bands perish before really getting established. How many bands last thirty five years? How many bands can consistently push out thirteen full length albums that set the standard for others in their sub genre to be compared against? Very few, that’s for sure.
Enter Kamelot.
On the eve of a sixteen date European tour and a fourteenth studio album ‘’Dark Asylum”, the North Americans are showing zero signs of showing down!
“Dark Asylum” kicks off with the cinematic display of ‘Sanctorium’. This could make a fantastic opening segment to a concert – like when they come to Manchester in early November! It’s always fun when bands arrange their songs into a concept and overarching theme – like Pyramaze and their criminally underrated “Legend of The Bone Carver”. Understanding the context of “Dark Asylum” and the underlying theme helps to understand and process the lyrics on a deeper level. The theme of a soul trapped in a former cathedral-turned-asylum and the inherent experiences of the psychological torment and self-discovery is explored. ‘Cassandra’s Disease’ is perhaps the best example of this, with Tommy’s vocal delivery portraying that of a soul in genuine distress and in grave peril in a very convincing and believable performance.
Though if you’re not following this narrative, and just dipping into the music bit by bit, you’ll find everything you’d expect from a power metal album. From the choppy rhythms and high tempo through to the blazing lead guitar solos, they’re all built upon an undeniable melodic and symphonic foundation. The foundation provided by Oliver’s expertly deployed array of keys and synths. Just keeping a single guitar in the lineup helps for them to shine in the mix. As opposed to a dual guitar set up which may drown out this melodic component that’s essential to the band’s sound.
Though it’s not all fast rhythms and blazing leads – though ‘Godlike Alchemy’ is a fantastic track to check out if you like that sort of thing. No, you’ll find stripped down ballads like ‘Ivy, My Dear’. The drums and distorted guitars take a break, and the tin whistles and harps provide an epic medieval style backdrop for the ballad to unfold. In the live arena, the lights will go down, the camera phone lights will come on (or a lighter if you’re old school), and hundreds will be singing along in unison to the heavily infectious chorus! Isn’t that what power metal is all about? Recreating that spirit of the drunken tavern hall sing-a-longs? Kamelot captures that spirit perfectly here.
Let’s face it, we live in an attention deficit society whereby listeners are becoming easily distracted. With literally thousands of artists available at your finger tips via streaming sites, there’s more choice than ever before. That’s why a fourteen track album may appease those who prefer a deep listen on a CD they’ve purchased, but may dissuade casual fans who aren’t willing to invest so much time. It’s all about perspective.
Guest musicians. They can certainly enhance an album. Especially with Miss World Chile champion Ignacia Fernández lending her vocals to ‘Ashen World’ and ‘Sanctuary’.
Especially with her blood curdling growls! However, having a total of six guest musicians on four out of fourteen songs begins to raise questions about the capabilities within the band itself and dilutes their talent. In addition, how can Kamelot play songs live without the harsher growl vocals of Ignacia? Hiring guest vocalists may be an option but then it’s like having a substitute teacher; it’s just not the same!
Overall, a solid effort from one of the standard bearers for the genre. Everything you’d expect from symphonic power metal, and executed to a high standard.
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