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| Kamelot - Epica |
 Released: 2003 Label: Noise Records Cat. No.: NO3772 Total Time: 52:17 | |
Reviewed by: Karyn Hamilton, June 2003 Dear Diary: Day Zero Got my copy of Kamelot's Epica for review today. Have heard rumour this is going to be a good album. Did some reading up beforehand; it's to be a fantasy-concept piece, covering the story of the demonic temptation of main character Ariel, a modern-day Faust figure. Sounds interesting. Didn't have time to listen, but the cover is very pretty. Day One Listened to some of Epica today before work. It's not too bad. Actually I think I like it. Lots of smooth, exciting orchestral inclusions; musical skills from the band members are exceptional (particularly liked the orchestras and Thomas Youngblood's guitar entry to "Center Of The Universe"). Khan's vocals are flawless, as usual, and the female vocals of Mari provide a beautiful counterpart. Found myself inexplicably chewing my nails at work and humming the gorgeous, soulful chorus of "Wander." Listened again before going to bed. Must remember to mention the dark male choral sections in the first Interlude, "Opiate Soul," and "Edge Of Paradise;" reminds me a bit of John Williams' "Duel Of The Fates." Day Two Put Epica on when I woke up this morning. Listened again before going to work. Couldn't concentrate, so left work early. Picked an album at random to listen to; it was Epica. Day Three Woke up, was tired and crabby at everyone, but felt fine after listening to Epica. Housemates giving me funny looks. Don't know why, I'm just singing along to the beautiful "Coldest Winter's Night" ... well, I guess I've been listening to it for two hours. Day Four Accidentally missed work today. Didn't realise until 2pm, when the boss called up to find out where I was, though I couldn't hear the phone until I turned Epica down. Wasn't happy about having to turn it down, either, because I was busy admiring Casey Grillo's superb drum work in "Farewell." Housemates looking worried. Day Five Housemates took me to the doctor today. He showed me a video titled "This is your brain on Epica." There didn't seem anything strange about it, though I think it was pulsing in time with that fantastic heavy section at the beginning of "Lost & Damned." Had to listen when I got home to be sure. Day Six Housemates have stolen my copy of Epica, hidden it somewhere, and locked me in my room so I couldn't sneak out and buy another copy. They said something about taking me to some meeting tomorrow. Like hell. Am contemplating using my desk chair as a battering ram. In the meantime, am contenting self by trying to work out how to air guitar Youngblood's solo in "Descent Of The Archangel." May need to stop, though, before I get dislocated fingers. Day Seven Hi ... my name is Karyn and I'm an Epicaholic... (Disclaimer: some parts of this account may be slightly exaggerated. This does not change the fact that the reviewer thinks Kamelot's Epica is a goddamn awesome album, and commands you to go and buy it now. You hear? Now!) Similar to: Symphony X, Rhapsody, Blind Guardian PPO Rating: 10/10 [This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site; see also Keith's, LarryD's, and Steph's reviews -ed.] More about Epica: Track Listing: Prologue / Center Of The Universe / Farewell / Interlude I (Opiate Soul) / Edge Of Paradise / Wander / Interlude II (Omen) / Descent Of The Archangel / Interlude III (At The Banquet) / A Feast For The Vain / The Coldest Winter Night / Lost & Damned / Helena's Theme / Interlude IV (Dawn) / The Mourning After / III Ways To Epica Musicians: Contact: Website: www.kamelot.com Discography
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