Customer Reviews

Epica

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

_Epica_ is the long awaited sixth album from Kamelot, and their fourth with former Conception vocalist Roy Khan. I believe they are by far the best European-styled power metal band that has ever made music (it's not gratuitous praise!). What makes Kamelot different from the rank pile of horrible power metal bands? For that matter, what makes them *amazing* instead of just good? The answer is very simple: Khan and Thomas Youngblood.

Khan's voice soars on eagle's wings, his emotional power, unique timbre, subtle (Norwegian) accent, and perfect inflection make him not only the finest vocalist in this style, but nearly any other as well. Actually, I'm hard pressed to think of a male vocalist I like more than the mighty Khan.

If you've read anything about _Epica_ in the hype before its release, one might consider it hopelessly pretentious for some "power metal" band to write an album based somewhat on J.W. Von Goethe's _Faust_. Hmm... aren't these bands the type that sing about saccharine love stories, saving the environment, and generally trite subjects (with horrid lyrics, no less)? There should be no worries, because Khan -- in addition to being a prime singer -- is an outstanding lyricist, full of evocative colors and depth and beautiful diction. _Epica_, a concept album about a man's search for truth and meaning. Frankly, I think it is brilliantly done. Actually, the story is so interesting that I'm eager to hear Epica Part II even more just to find out what happens. For future reference: Epica > Mindcrime.

In "The Center of the Universe", Ariel questions the meaning of life and longs for truths in which he can support rationally. On "Farewell" he departs from his home, bidding goodbye to all his loved ones. However, his journey does not go as planned and in "The Edge of Paradise" he becomes disillusioned and lost, spiraling into an abyss of drug abuse. In his moment of sorrow, he thinks back to his love Helena in "Wander". But, knowing she is just a memory now, he loses his will to live. Then, in "Descent of the Archangel", the dark angel Mephisto appears to him and tempts him with vanity. Mephisto brings Ariel to his castle where he satisfies all of his base desires in "Feast for the Vain". After, Ariel meets with Helena and spends a special moment with her in "On the Coldest Winter Night". On "Lost & Damned", Helena goes to tell Ariel of her pregnancy, but he tells her that his search for truth is more important than love. He also fears to be with her after succumbing to Mephisto's temptations. Helena then drowns herself in the river, killing not just herself but her unborn child. Ariel tries to reconcile with this loss in "The Mourning After", but he is deeply scarred. On "III Ways to Epica", Ariel -- torn between the evil Mephisto and the angelic Helena -- is left to continue the journey he began at the beginning.

The Khan-Youngblood songwriting core is easily the best in this style. As befits an album with such a title, _Epica_ is Kamelot's most epic sounding release to date. The roster of guest musicians rivals that of a Rhapsody album, with the songs weaving soaring symphonic elements into the driving punch of the band's melodic-metal style. Choruses are simply HUGE, melodically sublime and powerful, and the urgent build-up to them via the verses is spine-tingling. Youngblood's thick crunchy guitar sound is toned back a bit, woven through keyboards and strings. Layers of synthesizers throughout many songs recall the atmospheres the band created on "The Spell" from _Karma_. As always, numerous influences from different eras and regions manifest throughout, but what is especially impressive is how smoothly integrated the diverse elements are. Even in songs with pronounced influences, like the Arabic motif and Gregorian chanting of "The Edge of Paradise" or the Parisian tango of "Lost & Damned", everything is fastened together so organically that it took me several listens to notice them. "Descent of the Archangel" is foreboding and ominous, with eerie menacing verses and a fierce chorus propelled by 16th note double bass drums and machine-gun guitars. Rhapsody's Luca Turilli contributes a frenetic guitar solo in this song.

I think few bands execute a ballad with the beauty of Kamelot, and _Epica_'s ballads are no exception. "Wander" is a summery magenta flush of longing -- sheer perfection. While "Wander" refers to summer, "On the Coldest Winter Night" is frostier and darker. A simple plucked guitar figure feels like cold snowflakes on the skin, with a deep double bass adding to the weight of the moment. The djembe adds a sort of earthy warmth to the chill atmosphere, like the heat of the love between Ariel and Helena in that moment the song describes. Co-producer and keyboardist Miro deserves credit here on both these songs especially, his brilliant string arrangements sensually and subtly adding emotion without going over-the-top. One thing Kamelot has over any of their peer bands is subtlety. (Kamelot proves there is nothing inherently cheesy about power metal -- it's a matter of the artist, not the style.)

Gorgeous is the fey voice of guest singer Mari, who plays Helena. In "Helena's Theme", she sings exquisitely with the Rodenburg Symphony Orchestra for the album's prettiest moment. Some of the most chilling parts are where Khan and Mari trade-off lines, as in the piano-based interlude in "The Center of the Universe" and the epochal chorus of "III Ways to Epica" (best chorus, like, ever).

The limited edition has beautiful packaging and features a bonus track called "Snow", a speedy cut which would have fit nicely onto _Karma_.

This is an amazing release which tops even the amazing _Karma_, which was so good I thought they would never beat it. It's almost scary to think how good this band might still become. _Epica_ is a pure masterpiece that should render a hopeless feeling of impotence upon all other power metal bands. Kamelot is beyond everyone.

Do yourself the favor, spend time with this recording. Most people reading any of our reviews of these bands are here for a reason - We all love this kind of music.

I no longer know if bands like Kamelot, Symphony X, Vanden Plas are power metal. Or is it music written and performed by progressive thinking musicians who happen to play electric instruments.

Epica takes up where Karma left off stylistically, with some pounding numbers, some laid back pieces, and Khans soaring vocal chords ripping right through you. This is a roller coaster of melodies, tempos, and themes.

Like most fans of music like this, I crave logenvity with these bands, and fortunately, Kamlelot is kind of just starting out, and Thomas Youngblood is obsessed with making music with this band, so I hope there is music making from these guys for as long as my ears work.

Long live Kamlelot.

If you're already a Kamelot fan,then U know what an awesome power-metal band they are.Already proving themselves with The Fourth Legacy & Karma,they take it to the next level with a concept album that is a masterpiece of metal.Complete with orchestral vocals,killer riffs,and most noticably,Khan's vocal performance.This dude can sing!Rather than delve into the concept,I'll simpily tell what trax kick ...!Edge of Paradise,Descent of the Archangel,,the beutiful ballad Wander,The Mourning After and the killer III Ways to Epica.The cd has interludes that melt each track into the next seamlessly taking the listener into a super sonic mid evil dimension of metal bliss.The production is the best the bands ever had,and the entire band has stepped it up making Kamelot run like a well oiled machine.There is alot of atmosphere on this album and I can't reccomend it enough to fans of Stratovarius,Nightwish,older Queensryche and even Savatage.Incredible musicianship and a wonderful story line, EPICA takes it's place next to the likes of Abigail,Streets A Rock Opera,OPERATION:MINDCRIME & The Odyssey as a classic metal concept album.My favorite of 2003 thus far,it deserves a 5 star rating and your full attention.

Aside from its less-than-fantastic production, which is easy to overlook, Kamelot's Epica is a wonderful trip through a world beyond human realization. Roy Khan's vocals, coupled with some good female vocalists, are the icing on the cake formed by great guitar work and mind-blowing musical compositions. The opening full-length track and the last song are the best, making for a spellbinding introduction and powerful closer, while the material held within provides a listening experience that you'll want to relive over and over. Highly recommended to fans of bands like Blind Guardian, Edguy, Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards, Stratovarius, the almighty Symphony X, and other real metal artists!

...because this is the best album of the year. I just received my copy of the limited edition in the mail today, and my day halted to a stop. I could not wait to listen!
First, the packaging is gorgeous. Of course, it's a digipak and the cover artwork is some of the best album art to come out in recent history--in the leagues of Dream Theater's album "Scenes from A Memory", "Snow" by Spock's Beard, or "Brain Salad Surgery" by Emerson Lake & Palmer. The digipak has a glossy sheen to it and folds out nicely, containing a temporary tatoo inside with the new Kamelot logo. Liner notes are also unattached to the digipak and are quite complete in detail.
Pop the disc in your stereo and you have an awesome new power-progressive rock concept album; pop it in your PC and you have an amazing Quicktime-driven multimedia experience. I won't spoil that, though. Just take my word for it and put it in your CD-ROM drive.
Now let's get to the meat: the music of the album. The production quality of this work is mind-blowing. For such an underground band (in comparison to Britney, Avril, NSYNC, or Mariah, etc.), the overall sound puts theirs to shame. The highs are crisp and the thumps of Casey Grillo's double-bass work give you a nice kick (no pun intended) without bottoming out your system. This album has more keyboard involvement than heard with Kamelot before, making for nice techno-esque phasing sounds and panning, a la Front Line Assembly or Chemical Brothers (we're talking sound quality here, not musical quality). Khan's voice soars on this album, with reverb and majesty we haven't heard before in a Kamelot recording. Whereas his voice would sometimes become muddled and lost in verses, now it mixes perfectly with all other elements. The songs are heavy but still orchestral and epic in nature, making you wish even songs that last six minutes would never stop. The grooves are "headbangable", if you will, but don't overtake the album, willing to step aside to gorgeous female vocal passages, symphonic themes, or Gregorian Chants.
Each band member is at their finest in this effort, most of all, Thom Youngblood, on guitars, who has always been impressive as a guitarist, but I think has finally begun to define himself and his style on this record--especially his songwriting ability.
Anyway, before I bore you to death, let me say I can't sing enough praise of this album, and if you're a fan of Dream Theater, Symphony X, Spock's Beard, Transatlantic, Stratovarius, ARK, Iced Earth, or just any sort of metal but are open-minded to more diverse elements, give this one a shot.
I picked up Kamelot's previous album, "Karma", in September of 2001, just on a whim, without hearing them much previously, and am now a heavily devoted fan. This band WILL grow on you, if you let them.
Epica is set to be 2003's album of the year. It may only be February, but this reviewer will still stand by that statement in 10 months.
Don't cheat yourself out of this one. I'm sure Lord Chimp, the Amazon Prog-Rock Guru, would agree.

(Album highlights include "Center of The Universe", "Edge of Paradise", "Descent of The Archangel", "Helena's Theme" and how it leads into "The Mourning After" and the awe-inspiring finale, "III Ways to Epica". Everything is incredible, though, not just these tracks. Thanks for reading.)

After seeking out progressive metal on the net, I found Kamelot..and what a find they are! After getting hooked on Karma, I went out and bought Epica and was suprised to hear an even better CD!

Thundering double-base drums, technical guitar, and the golden pipes of Khan combined with just the right amount of sweeping keyboards and strings, excellent intelligent lyrics written into a concept album. This band has the power and precision of a well oiled machine! Even the ballads are sung with passion, and the guest vocalists only add to the fabric woven in these songs.

Epica is lots of things; passionate, headbanging, hard driving, complex. You can pretty much hear it all in the first full song "Center of the Universe". It's easy to hear these guys pour their hearts and sould into each note.

I'm simply addicted to Kamelot at the moment. I can't remember listening to a band over and over again without getting bored since Queensryche.

I rarely give CD's 5 stars. So if you could improve on the Kamelot formula, I'd like to hear just a bit more guitar soloing, and some more improvising from the bass and drums. The talent is clearly there from all members of the band, but I'd like to hear them break slightly from their strict, tight mindset a bit. The production on this CD isn't as perfect as their previous ones, the poor guys probably can't afford the studios they used to (they rarely even tour in the US).

If you're a fan of power/progressive metal, you cannot possibly be disappointed in this CD!!!!!

I must admit, I came by "Epica" a bit by accident. I was experimenting with various power metal bands, found "Karma" acceptable, so when I found "Epica" in my nearby music store, I bought it, without reading any reviews beforehand. This turned out to be one of my best music purchase decisions ever made.

"Epica" is an album that excells on all fronts. First of all, musically, it is two notches up from the previous Kamelot works. There's a lot of instrumentation here, many "guest stars", and it is all used to the furthest extent possible. In terms of musical complication, this approaches the barrier of classical music, which is a pretty high achievement for a metal band.

What is also incredible about this album is that it is one, complete composition. This causes two things. First of all, listening to the entire album is a wonderful experience since all the songs follow a main theme and as you listen, you feel yourself flow with it. Second of all, this means that all the songs on the album are important, and thus, althought this sounds nigh impossible, all of them are of great quality. There is no song on the album that I consider inferior, no song that feels like a space-filler. Every single title has its place.

Another quality of "Epica" is its diversity. You have fast pieces like the opening "Center of the Universe", you have slow ballads like "Wander", you have epic songs like "Lost and Damned". Everything you would expect from great power metal and more is on this CD.

It is of course hard to rate music because musical taste differs from person to person and a 5 star rating might not necessarily mean something that goes well with you. However, I cannot give "Epica" any other rating - it is my favorite album, not only in the power metal genre, but overall, which is quite an achievement. If you like this sort of music, I strongly urge you to try it out - I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

For a long time, I listened to Nightwish, and then later discovered Dream Evil, and I found that I really did enjoy the style of music. As my title reads, what a change of pace, from the typical headbanging bull**** you would normally hear, or even better, the crap playing on mainstream radio nowadays. Kamelot is easily on par with Nightwish, Dream Evil, and this cd, is a must have.

Two days ago, I found this CD in a bargin bin, and I gotta say, I did not expect it to be this good. Well thats an understatement actually, as this cd turned me on my head, and took me for a ride through the world Kamelot crafted. The music and lyrics will stick with you long after the songs have ended, and repeat listens, just get better and better. Basically, this is the kind of CD that gets better the more you listen to it.

Sixteen tracks, that litterally blew my mind. Of course, the initial opening track confused me, but as soon as it ending, and "CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE" started playing, I was hooked. This cd has been on consistant play in my CD player, since I got it.

I have no issues saying that, Kamelot is a great band, that needs to be heard. Best cd I've bought this year, no questions asked. So do yourself a favor, and take a ride through "Kamelot", it's an experience you won't forget.

As I've written only one review before on Amazon, for Sonata Arctica's "Reckoning Night", I tended to be very wordy. I'll try not to be that way here and I'll just rate the songs, with a description of what I like about them. Here goes:

Center of the Universe ( * * * * * ) - What a way to start off an album! Lots of keyboard and symphonic work, along with the trademark metal double-bass that is featured in over half of the songs. Nice surprise found in the female vocals in the soft middle interlude.

Farewell ( * * * * * ) - Starts like "Center", but the similarities end with the general sound and pace of the song. The rhythm is more galloping and frantic, the vocals are more powerful in this song than most others, and the lyrics are more urgent yet contemplative. Has a very powerful ending, too!

The Edge of Paradise ( * * * * ) - Here, the vocalist turns up the grease in his voice for the verses, kinda zepp-ish and weird, but it has a very catchy chorus. Even though it has a monkish chanting in the middle interlude, this is the most commercial rock sound in the album

Wander ( * * * * * ) - This is a very beautiful power ballad. The singer is obviously influenced by Geoff Tate (Queensr˙che); if he isn't, I'd be very surprised as his voice has a big resemblance, at least in this song. Beautiful string work (or is it synths?) provide good atmosphere.

Descent of the Archangel ( * * * * * ) - A techno/goth beginning that immediately slams into double bass (drum) and double note (guitar) rhythmic bliss. Another catchy chorus with a sinister edge, since this is the part of the story where Mephisto first tempts the main character.

A Feast For the Vain ( * * * * ) - The temptation continues, with a very exotic sounding verse theme. The use of middle eastern sounds in the middle of the song is a nice touch. Not as powerful or moving as "Descent", but it gets the point across.

On the Coldest Winter Night ( * * * * ) - Very beautiful rhythm and lead guitar acoustic work dominate here. This ballad is not as moving as "Wander", but it is rich in texture and provides the perfect melancholy mood for this part of the story.

Lost and Damned ( * * ) - The tango-ish sounding music switching off with metal rhythms really throws me for a loop here! There's good moments in this song, but I really couldn't get into it the same as the other pieces. (I could just see myself: dancing the tango for a few seconds, then headbanging the next!)

The Mourning After (Carry On) ( * * * * * ) - Add an extra star to this rating, for the sheer enjoyability of this song, especially the sing along chorus!! Not only that, but the transpositioning in the chorus section brought a big smile to my face, as I rarely hear any bands attempt that. This and other little touches they integrate into the song are the reason why I got into this kind of music in the first place! [singing] Carry on, carry on...

III Ways to Epica ( * * * * * ) - This album starts with a powerful beginning, so here's a powerful ending to go with it! The music and vocals in the verses are simply hammering! Again we have an interesting male/female vocal duet, this time in the chorus, and it doesn't detract any from the sheer power in this song. The band pulls back a little in the bridge, then kicks it back into high gear for the rest of the song. A simply awesome finish!

I intentionally left "Helena's Theme", as well as the prologue and interludes, out of the main body. These extras provide some atmosphere to the story and "Helena's Theme" is a beautiful way to tell the female character's emotions in the story. This brings the overall review from 4.5 to 5 stars. I'd recommend this album to any prog/epic/power metal fan, or anyone who wants something different from the "nu-metal" that's dominating the airwaves!

This time they really outdid themselves.
It is evident that the band keeps maturing and getting better with their every new release and it pays off big time. Huge choruses, blistering guitars, nifty interludes, passionate singing, all of it is included in this package of a pure power and I should say progressive piece of art. A smart occasional use of female voice adds to this epic opus, so is the brilliant production.
The album consists of a collection of slower and faster tracks that grab the listener entirely. All of them really stand out, and therefore it is hard to pick the best or the worst. Song writing is top notch, that is what Kamelot is known for, but 'Epica' carries the special atmosphere that really puts it on top of their previous work.
Not many albums are equal or come close to this masterpiece that is certainly among the best in business.