CD REVIEW: KAMELOT – Haven

Label: Napalm Records

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Symphonic metal mainstays Kamelot are unleashing a disc full of new classics.  Disc opener “Fallen Star” starts off mellow, but soon morphs into a full blown Kamelot track with great orchestration, killer riffs, and a heavy rhythm section.  The song sets the pace for the rest of the collection.  “Insomnia” starts off with Oliver Palotai’s keyboards and heavy drums from Casey Grillo, but is soon joined by vocals that seem to breath a different life into the track and sound of the band.  These are some of the best vocals on the disc!  “Veil Of Elysium” has a charging sound that builds through the intro and into the verse.  The guitar work, courtesy of Thomas Youngblood, on this track stands out as it stands out without being overbearing.  “My Therapy” is a straight ahead rocker that leans more on hard rock and less on the symphonic sound, giving the band another weapon in its metal arsenal.  “Beautiful Apocalypse” blends more of the modern and symphonic to create a cool hybrid that the bands seems to perfect on this track.  The heavy bass and pounding drums give this song muscle, while the vocals soar from verse to chorus and the guitars enhance the bridge.  “Here’s To The Fall” opens with an ethereal instrumental piece that gives the song depth that grows in magnitude on this ballad-like track, especially when the layered vocals build the chorus and bridge.

“Citizen Zero” brings an edgier sound and groove to the band and their legacy.  This rocker adds a modern rock component to the symphonic blast of metal and the results are a strong rhythmic track that is sure to gets hands and lighters in the air when played live.  “Under Grey Skies” is a killer ballad that wraps a full sound around a beautiful duet from great vocals from Tommy Karevik and special guest Charlotte Wessels from Delain.  This track also features additional instrumentation from Nightwish’s Troy Donockley.  “Ecclesia” is a cool instrumental that leads perfectly into “End Of The Innocence.”  This song is classic Kamelot and helps blend the new with the old on this disc.  The sound of Sean Tibbetts bass anchoring the bottom end builds the vibe of the track.  “Liar Liar (Wasteland Monarchy)” kicks down the door with furious drumming from Grillo and moody vocals from Karevik.  Arch Enemy’s Alissa White-Gluz lends her vocal prowess to the track.  “Revolution” is a heavier track that benefits from a heavy bottom end from the rhythm section, cool guitar work, and big leads vocals, as well as great growl or two from Alissa White-Gluz.  Title track “Haven” closes the disc and allows the previous twelve songs to percolate in your brain as this instrumental swirls the different symphonic sounds of the disc into a cool closing piece.

Tracklist: Fallen Star – Insomnia – Citizen Zero – Veil Of Elysium – Under Grey Skies – My Therapy – Ecclesia – End Of Innocence – Beautiful Apocalypse – Liar Liar – Here’s To The Fall – Revolution – Haven

KAMELOT LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: CD Reviews