Kamelot - Epica


Year of Release: 2003
Label: Noise Records
Catalog Number: NO3772
Format: CD
Total Time: 52:17:00

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

[This review originally appeared June 2003 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]


Tracklisting:
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:
Roy Khan - vocals
Thomas Youngblood - guitars
Glenn Barry - bass
Casey Grillo - drums

Discography:
Eternity (1996)
Dominion (1997)
Siege Perilous (1998)
The Fourth Legacy (2000)
The Expedition - Live (2000)
Karma (2001)
Epica (2003)
The Black Halo (2005)
One Cold Winter's Night (2006)
Ghost Opera (2007)
Ghost Opera - The Second Coming (2008)
Poetry For The Poisoned (2010)
Poetry For The Poisoned & Live From Wacken (Limited Tour Edition) (2011)
Silverthorn (2012)
Haven (2015)

One Cold Winter's Night (DVD) (2006)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin US

Added: January 1st 2005
Reviewer: Karyn Hamilton
Score:
Artist website: www.kamelot.com
Hits: 3050
Language: english

  

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