Band:	Kamelot
Album:	Karma
Style:	Symphonic power metal
Release date:	2001
Guest review by:	DreamArctica

01. Regalis Apertura
02. Forever
03. Wings Of Despair
04. The Spell
05. Don't You Cry
06. Karma
07. The Light I Shine On You
08. Temples Of Gold
09. Across The Highlands
10. Elizabeth Part I: Mirror Mirror
11. Elizabeth Part II: Requiem For The Innocent
12. Elizabeth Part III: Fall From Grace
13. Ne Pleure Pas (Don't You Cry) [French Version bonus]
14. Once And Future King [Japanese bonus]

I'll start off by saying that this has to be by far one of my favorite metal albums. It has a bit of everything for everyone in here. From amazing guitar riffs, glorious double bass drumming, breathtaking vocals, and appropriate keyboard usage.

I will begin with the cover. As most Kamelot albums, the cover is flashy and cool, even if we have no idea as to what it means. It's still one of those covers that makes you stop in a record store and look at it and want it more than Michael Jackson desires little boys. (In case you don't get the joke?the cover is very nice and pretty).

Next let's look at the different tracks. Track one (Regalis Apertura) is a nice orchestral intro that really makes you feel that you are being whisked away to another place.

It helps build anticipation for the first real song, "Forever", which is a superb power metal rockfest. The songs starts with a punch in the face thanks to a hard start with guitar. It then continues with some killer guitar melodies that just make you want to dance around the house kicking easy to break electronic devices.

Next we run into "Wings of Despair". This song, like "Forever" tries to kick your teeth in right off the bat with high quality 6-string action. Roy Kahn's vocals are more than you should legally be allowed to ask for, and he displays great range, and sweet melodies. If only I could sing like that.

This is followed by a different song, "Spell". It really does give the impression that you are cast in a robotic spell, and still manages to sound very good. Not the best song on the album but still an above average affair. Its something different than the normal fast power experience.

Then, we are in for a treat; one of the best power ballads I have ever heard?ever. Kamelot goes acoustic on us with beautiful guitar work in "Don't you Cry". Roy Kahn's vocals just make me want to cry at times in this song. This guy is good, and this song is a masterpiece, especially with the violin and cello in the background.

We are then wisked right into the title track "Karma", and allowed to dry up all those tears we shed during "Don't you Cry". This is probably the best power song on this album. The riffs are catchy, the drumming is powerful, and one again the vocals are top notch. This is definitely top quality material.

"The Light I Shine on You" follows, and slows the action down a bit, but still keeps the heavy power edge. This is a great song to sing along to, and Roy Kahn displays very nice range.

"Temple of Gold" slows things down further, to the speed of a nice hard rock song. It's a nice song, but not a highlight.

"Across the Highlands" features the best chorus on the album in my opinion, and fast melodic action throughout, all while keeping Kamelot's spiffy prog edge.
"Mirror Mirror" is another power ballad. It's worth listening to, as it is a nice display of vocals, and the guitar provides a nice accompaniment, but it's not a song to top the charts.

"Requiem for the Innocent" is another good, but not AMAZING song. It's probably the second hardest of the album, and it makes you want to smash your head against a wall, but in a good way.

"Fall From Grace" ends the normal songs of the album on a heavy note, just like the previous track. This song features more speed and more guitar work. It's the hardest I've heard from them, and they end the album on a solid note.

There is one bonus track, "Ne Pleure Pas". This is "Don't cry" just all in French. It is really very beautiful, and Roy Kahn sings very nice French?a very worthy bonus.

Overall I give this album a 9.5. It would be a 10 if only one or two songs were cut out. Not because they are bad, but "Temple of Gold", and "Requiem for the Innocent" just don't seem to add anything to the album. They're very good songs, but they don't help an album filled with AMAZING songs. You must buy this album if you are a power metal fan, or even just a metal fan. It should be on everyone's wishlist.