Kamelot: One Cold Winters Night (DVD)

I hate to admit it, but I was really one of the latecomers to the music of Kamelot and I only got a good listen when I picked up a copy of The Black Halo. From there I am happy to report that I was an instant fan of this Florida meets Norway based Melodic Power Metal band. For those that are guilty of being among the unaware as well, you should be advised that this is a band that does it right. There is a strong sense of song writing and the music and vibe generated on every track they perform is done with intelligence and power. The release of The Black Halo opened a number of doors for the band and became a veritable blockbuster release, surpassing many people's expectations. The subsequent tour for the album also proved to be of significant impact as no matter where the band chose to appear they were met with packed venues and appreciative fans of their work. This DVD captures the group during their performance at the Rockefeller Musichall in Oslo, Norway back in February 2006 in front of a sold out crowd. The stage setting was dramatic and they used 18 cameras to capture as much of the mood and feel of this show as possible. As you watch, you cannot help but feel you are part of the show. As far as performance DVD's go this is one of the better ones for it cuts no corners in visual presentation or sonic delivery and this is perhaps based on the fact that acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus was in charge of the filming. His great imagination and creative vision led to the success that Kamelot found in their promotional videos for the studio album, so it only made sense to have him be one of the masterminds behind this DVD. He did a great job and based on needless to say this film gets your attention quickly and keeps it throughout the bands performance. As you might expect, the songs performed on this release are concentrated on material from The Black Halo and similar to the studio version there are guest-stars present to help it be done properly. During "The Haunting" we find Khan assisted by Simone Simons, the stunning siren who fronts the band Epica. Simone's voice is excellent in the live sense as well, and along with her group are something else fans of Kamelot should investigate. Musically this show has its members making every effort to impress as Tom Youngblood shreds the guitar while bassist Glen Barry holds down his half of the rhythm section. Youngblood is a great melodic lead guitarist and I think that after you watch the film you will agree with me. With a clean, decisive and technical style at times he is truly one of the better players in Melodic Power Metal. The viewer is also treated to solos from both Casey Grillo (drums) and Oliver Palotai (keyboards). Grillo has a fun style to watch on the "battery" as Khan announces, while Palotai, the bands newest official member, shows deft levels of skill on the keys. Of course it would be unfair to line out everyone else without mentioning the main man on the microphone, Mister Roy Khan. Khan is one of those great singers who are also blessed with the ability to be a great front man. He is a natural on stage and is in possession of one of the most pure and melodic voices the genre offers. An apparent drama fan, Khan Acts as well as perform his role of singer and this makes the songs hold so much more of a level of intensity. He is on a great path to be regarded very highly among the Metal front men of legend.

DVD2: The second DVD in this release features all of the bonus features and there are certainly a lot of them. It begins with "The Journey Within", part of which is a great making-of feature hosted by Khan entitled "HaloVision". It shows you a lot of behind the scenes footage and offers a great level of insight on the performance, and what the album meant to the band. There are three "Up-Close Interviews" with Thomas Youngblood, Casey Grillo and Oliver Palotai. These are very candid and the first two find you at home with the Youngbloods and Grillos as they show you around their respective pads and show some instruments and some how to do it like Kamelot does. There are promotional videos for "The Haunting" and "March Of Mephisto", an interview with Simone Simons of Epica and several other cool little features to enjoy. Suffice it to say the second DVD will keep you busy for quite a while.

The Black Halo became one of my consistent listens out of the Melodic Metal I had been enjoying after only a couple of listens and now with the DVD film to enjoy as well, I can say that it is ever higher on my list. Kamelot's performance film One Cold Winter's Night is a release of the highest recommendation. Check it out and be aware that a CD release of the concert portion will be released as well.

Song Listing DVD1

1. Intro: Un Assassinio Molto Silenzioso
2. The Black Halo
3. Soul Society
4. The Edge of Paradise
5. Center of the Universe
6. Nights of Arabia
7. Abandoned
8. Forever
9. Keyboard Solo
10. The Haunting
11. Moonlight
12. When The Lights Are Down
13. Elizabeth (Part I, II & III)
14. March of Mephisto
15. Karma
16. Drum Solo
17. Farewell
18. Curtain Call/Outro

Added: May 4th 2007
Reviewer: Ken Pierce
Score:
Related Link: Kamelot Website
Hits: 5145
Language: english

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