Primal Fear: For the Fans of Judas Priest

“Free choices always had the chance

To play the music you like true and faithful

You support this sound and rhythm

You back up it's future from deep in your heart

Faster beats are pounding

While the fans are shouting

Metal is forever

In every single matter

Metal is forever

Nations come together.”
--“Metal is Forever” by Primal Fear from Devil’s Ground, 2004

Often the most sincere for of flattery is imitation.

Hence Primal Fear. Their albums are great exercises of tough, no-nonsense, straight-forward and basic Heavy Metal. Tough dueling guitars, the heavy thud of the drums, the perfectly timed bass riffs, and the screaming vocals are all pleasure to the ear.

But wait, you have heard this before.

Known as Germany’s version of Judas Priest, they truly sound that way. Perhaps the most unique departure from their usual hum is Seven Seals. More melodic than many of the counterparts, this is a fine album.

The rest are good enough, but the Judas Priest sound is very apparent. The video for Angel in Black shows the depth and consistency of the above.

Enjoy them, as they are a great band; but beware the repercussions of Screaming for Vengeance.

Ghost Opera: An Amazing Triumph for Kamelot

Welcome all to curtain call

At the opera

Raging voices in my mind

Rise above the orchestra

Like a crescendo of gratitude

This is my song

Like the dead

am on the other side

Their howling in my head

No remorse and no redemption

Hush my dea

Let the music fill the night

And soon it’s all we hear

--Kamelot “Ghost Opera,” 2007.

I loved, I mean LOVED, Black Halo from Kamelot.

Ghost Opera has changed my opinion of the group.

Not only are they masters of intricate feelings, masterful musicians, and quality craftsman; they are also capable of changing tempos and themes.

The intro to Ghost Opera Solitaire and Rule The World are heavy in approach, classical in approach as well. These guys could have fit in Wagner’s world as easily as the world of Judas Priest.

The third track Ghost Opera is an essential song in their often spirited and musical repertoire. Speed meets classical overtones encompass the essence of this track. The bass playing is so crucial in this song. It also musically hearkens back to Black Halo. This track methodically and orchestrally plods along to an incredible crescendo.

Among my favorite tracks is the keyboard laced fourth track: The Human Stain. This is a true triumph of Kamelot. The background vocals, the melodies and the tenderness of Khan’s voice are essential to their “sound.”

When I first heard the fifth track, Blucher, I was instantly reminded of their LP Epica it would fit their scope of that album. Slightly bouncy and totally jarring in the rhythm section; this is the track that perhaps is the heaviest on the album.

The sixth track, Love You To Death, is classic Kamelot that gives a nod to Karma. Middle-Eastern influence is common in this song. The heavy bass pounds and resonates as the violins interplay with the keyboards. And against the background of the female vocals mixing with Khan adds to the layered and textured depth that Kamelot fans have grown accustomed to experiencing.

The seventh track Up Through the Ashes continues the themes of the sixth track, with more guitars.

The eighth cut, Mourning Star, has a Celtic and monk-influenced style. To be frank, it is a pleasure for the ear as it begins, followed by the metal power.

Silence of Darkness follows a nine and is one of the more quick numbers on the album; played with Kamelot’s (and power metal’s) speed guitar and double base. This track is probably the most similar to the Kamelot that most fans know.

The tenderness of the band is shown in the tenth track—Anthem. This is simply stated beautiful music.

Eden Echo closes the album in pure power/speed metal form. This is yet another Kamelot track that would sound so awesome live.

On The American release, the “bonus” track is a dispensable one—The Pendulous fall. Not among my favorites, it is a strong, yet formulaic Kamelot number.

As one can tell, I highly recommend this one. I have waited for Kamelot’s Ghost Opera for months and was far from disappointed.

Kamelot: The Ghost Opera:

Solitaire
Rule The World
The Ghost Opera
The Human Stain
Blucher
Love You To Death
Up Through The Ashes
Mourning Star
Silence of Darkness
Anthem
Eden Echo
Pendulous Fall