Kamelot : "the Awakening"

 These guys were one of the few post-80s power metal bands I liked . Then they lost singer Roy Khan and things changed. Granted it's been 12 years, you would think I would have moved on. Well the band is certainly trying to recreate that sound, so why should I? One of major components that was lost in the release after Khan left, was the grit and attitude that placed them in a heavier sonic zip code. In some ways they feel like tribute band to themselves. The first song is a watered down return to what they once did. They begin to put a little muscle on by the time we get to "Eventide", then they remember they are a metal band with "One More Flag in the Ground" . They are joined by Mekong Delta drummer Alec Landeburg, who certainly get's the job done with some double bass to spare. 

They devolve back into the overly symphonic grandiosity that saps the heaviness from them on "Opus of the Night" .  Five songs in is never too soon for the ballads. It sounds like it should be from a Disney cartoon. The melodies are less catchy. There is a slight folk element to it. Not really sure what would inspire a band to write a song like this. Who thought this was going to be a great idea? The line fit for a queen certainly rings true here. The violin solo is the best moment. "Bloodmoon" has a more interesting groove at first, though at this point any groove works. The guitars need to come up in mix for sure. It sounds like they are trying to tone them down, as if they are apologetic for being a metal band at one time. The chorus is way too happy and kills it for me. They put more into "My Pantheon" show not all of their melodramatic power ballads have to go limp. 

"Nightsky" has parts and melodies than work, but when we get to the chorus , it turns into an anime theme song. The synths continue to over power any metallic elements on "the Looking Glass" . More balls in the bass and drums would also help. They are writing on cruise control , but it works better here. Tommy is a decent singer, who does a good Roy Khan imitation at times. They throw more solos at you on this one, which is more effective as it brings more fire to the song. Melissa Bonny of Ad Infinitum joins them for "New Babylon". It's is very them, but nothing new is brought to the table here or really any of the album. They punch in a bunch of melodramatic dramatic power ballads I might feel different about if they were darker. The new drummer kicks it into gear for this one. The last track is just an outro, that sounds like video game music. I will give this album a 7.5, which might be better than some bands are capable of but disappointing when you know what these guys are capable of.