Kamelot -One Cold Winter's Night [DVD] [2006]

This is a moment of belief, this is a moment made of dreams, you found me here today, on the coldest winter night and this sums the essence of Kamelot's concert titled `One cold winter's Night' that was recorded on the, 11th February 2006 at the historic Rockefellar Musichall in Oslo, Norway. Kamelot enlisted the services of renowned film and video producer, Patric Ullaeus, to chronicle the night's events, bringing with him from Sweden, a large crew of professionals, equipment and 18 cameras that would be used around the concert hall and stage. A number of months back, I obtained a copy of Evergrey's d.v.d, `A night to Remember', which left me will a sense that it was an impressive piece of work from an awe-inspiring band. At the time I remember thinking that whatever band attempts to emulate this concert from a visual and musical perspective, is literally going to have to pull something off in spectacular fashion. Well, the latest visual offering from Kamelot has surpassed the great effort that Evergrey conveyed, but in my book Kamelot have forged ahead and have made every effort to impress.

With Kamelot, they are a band that has fashioned the face of progressive metal over the past decade or so, by never being too fearful to further their musical objectives and are wholly in charge of their own destiny. The performance of all band members is nothing short of spectacular and they are one of the top bands in the progressive premier league, as they so rightly deserve to be there. The camera work of Ullaeus and his camera team is stunning and with the use of all eighteen cameras, the coverage around the Rockefellar Musichall is well balanced, with all band members getting equal footage of their respective performance. The sound quality is just as spectacular as the visual effects, and Khans vocals are breathtakingly emotive, powerful, with gently lifting moods that incorporates volumes of atmosphere. Unquestionably, he has to be the finest progressive metal vocalist around at the moment; by utilizing all that, he has learned whilst studying to be an opera singer in his native Norway many years previously. Founding member Thomas Youngblood is a sensational guitarist and has great ability to weave some inventive solos and cutting riffs into his style of playing.

Glenn Barry keeps up with a barrage of thunderous bass lines and is great support to drummer Casey Grillo. Talking of Grillo, what an incredible percussionist and drummer this man is and one only fully appreciates his ability whilst viewing this performance. He is the essential timekeeper to the band and has a very heavy, but well-balanced style of playing, without being too pompous for his own liking. Kamelot's latest addition to the fold is German keyboardist Oliver Palotai who joined the band in 2005 after the release of `The black Halo' opus. He brings a unique and classical style to the band and is a well-schooled musician with many accreditations to his name, playing with such sincere passion. On track nine, the pace slows down and a change of dynamics happens, whereby Palotai plays a classical piano solo, which is a very beautiful piece of music created with such heartfelt eloquence by highlighting his musical pedigree. Along with the abovementioned musicians, there are also guest musicians like the 3 piece choir that back Khan's vocals up in the choruses by adding a greater ambience to the music.

Furthermore, there is the addition of Epica's vocalist Simone Simons on `The Haunting', soprano vocalist Mari Youngblood, who is Thomas Youngblood's wife, adds a magic sparkle on three of the tracks, Swedish stalwart Snowy Shaw on `March of Mephisio' and Sasca Paeth adds a guitar solo to the track `Moonlight'. With each song, a careful selection process has taken place as the music flows along so seamlessly as if it was a conceptual piece of work. Songs from Khan era Kamelot have been reasonably well represented, but it would be nice at some stage for the band to resurrect the first two albums for prosperity sake. There are no weak numbers on this offering, but tracks that are worth a mention are the monstrous `The edge of Paradise' which starts the proceedings after a rather impressive Gregorian chant, then the song kicks in with the pyrotechnics to the side of the stage before the fury sets in. `Abandoned' is a great ballad, with Khan's emotive vocals singing alongside that of Mari Youngblood's and a very thought provoking and sad song. The Norwegian composer Grieg inspired, `Forever' has a nice classic piece played by Youngblood, with the song picking up momentum.

Casey Grillo is an impressive sight on this track as he delivers some great drumming, but displays his craft and technical prowess by spinning his drumsticks between his fingers on the offbeat. `The Haunting' is a great track and a favourite of mine from `The black Halo' recording, and has the vivacious redhead Simone Simons doing a duet with Khan - what a sterling job they have both done. On the second disc, there are all sorts of additional extras like interviews with the band including Simone Simons, a viewing of both Youngblood and Grillo's houses in Florida, video clips of the hits and Casey Grillo at DDrum choosing his endorsed drum kit for the up and coming tour. This well-put together package represents a band at the peak of their maturity. On the first viewing of `One cold winter Night, I was stunned, the second time I was captivated and by the third time I was totally hooked and drawn in. This mouth-watering platter offers wonderfully evocative melodies, strong song writing prowess that shine like a beacon, inventive solos and cutting riffs, masterful and creative drumming and thought provoking keyboard segments. If you have not yet crossed swords with the mighty Kamelot, then do yourselves a favour and grab a copy of this d.v.d., as it is a worthy part in anyone's collection.

Now, I loved, loved, loved the audio version of this. But having conjured up my own mental images of what was happening at the show - mountains, dragons, trolls, damsels in distress, ice dancing polar bears - I was worried that the reality might not live up to my fantasy. After all, it usually doesn't.

But I needn't have worried too much. Regardless of the absence of arctic creatures, this is a stunning DVD. A fine example of how they should be done. A no expense spared 18 camera shoot, directed by Patric Ullaues (Lacuna Coil, Dimmu Borgir, Within Temptation), in front of a sold out crwod in Oslo, this will be recognised as a benchmark moment in symphonic power metal.

There are some truly inspirational moments with "Nights Of Arabia", my undisputed champion. Powerful, pomptastic, but without sacrificing heaviness. In fact, the one - two punch of that song and "Abandoned" is nigh on unbeatable. But they almost match the wonder and intensity on "Elizabeth" and the awesome "March Of Mephisto".

The lighting is superb, the sound awesome and there's some impressive linking footage. All in all, this is an essential purchase. They're making a rare UK appearance at Prog Power II in Cheltenham on March 31st. Be there, if you can.

Having only just been introduced to Kamleot is a pleasure to say that this disc is great. Both audio and video quality are crisp and clean with Khan's vocals clear. A great disc to add to your collection.