Kamelot Poetry For The Poisoned
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
Kamelot’s ninth studio release, Poetry For The Poisoned, continues on in the vein of the band’s previous studio albums, ’06’s Ghost Opera and ’04’s Black Halo. Merging power and progressive metal with orchestral and operatic themes, the mystical land of Kamelot is yet again ready to be rediscovered. Guided by the hands of Thomas Youngblood and vocal prowess of Roy Khan, the band heralds the return of original bassist Sean Tibbetts. Alongside drummer Casey Grillo and keyboardist Oliver Palotai, the quartet continues its musical journeys.
Poetry For The Poisoned features 14 tracks. The title track comprises a four-part mini-epic. Track three, “Dear Editor,” is a vocal monologue with subtle background instrumentation and sound effects that lead into the song “Zodiac.” The album is highlighted with special guests who lend their talents to the music; Simone Simons (Epica), Gus G. (Ozzy, Firewind), Björn “Speed” Strid (Soilwork) and Jon Oliva (Savatage, Jon Oliva’s Pain).
The audio atmosphere on Poetry For The Poisoned can best be described as a dark, heavy, moody and emotional journey. This ominous feel carries over from the previous two releases, which, as with this album, were produced by Sascha Paeth and Miro. Recorded at Gate Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany, the preliminary writing phase for the band began at a remote and isolated location in Norway, which formed the album’s foundational framework. As with previous albums, the band merges elements from a diverse pool of influences and blends them into their Progressive/Power Metal repertoire.
From a compositional viewpoint, the music has evolved down the same path as Ghost Opera. The band moves forward with the willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles, and that helps set them apart from their peers. Guitarist Thomas Youngblood demonstrates his growth in his tasteful solos, which are highlights of the music and not busy distractions. His solo on “Zodiac” has a very Stratocaster-bluesy vibe and displays a different side of the player. Roy Khan’s voice also sets the band apart from other “power metal” bands. He always sings with conviction and has a strong emotional side that makes the listener want to focus on the lyrical story that he unfolds before them. The strength of the band also is felt within the confines of the rhythm section, which is provided by the drum and percussion of Grillo and the return of bassists Tibbetts. And let’s not forget the atmosphere and melody that keyboardist Palotai provides. His work wraps the music up in a nice, harmonious package for listeners.
Jumping into a track-by-track, song-by-song breakdown isn’t necessary. Fans of the band know what to expect: The unexpected with an understanding that Kamelot’s foundation is alive and well within its new music. Rediscovering Kamelot’s pre-2004 works has been interesting, but hearing the continuous musical evolution from ’04 onward shows a band that is unwilling to settle for living in the past.
Genre: Progressive/Power Metal
Band:
Thomas Youngblood: Guitars, Backing vocals
Roy Khan: Lead vocals
Sean Tibbetts: Bass guitar
Casey Grillo: Drums
Oliver Palotai: Keyboards
Track Listing:
1. The Great Pandemonium (feat. Björn “Speed” Strid)
2. If Tomorrow Came
3. Dear Editor
4. The Zodiac (feat. Jon Oliva & Amanda Somerville)
5. Hunter’s Season (feat. Gus G.)
6. House On A Hill (feat. Simone Simons)
7. Necropolis
8. My Train Of Thoughts
9. Seal Of Woven Years
Poetry For The Poisoned
10. PT I Incubus
11. PT II So Long (feat. Simone Simons)
12. PT III All Is Over (feat. Simone Simons
13. PT IV Dissection (feat. Amanda Somerville)
14. Once Upon A Time
Label: KMG Recordings
Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10