Originally released in September last year, Poetry For The Poisoned is Kamelot's ninth studio album that received much acclaim. It was also the last to feature vocalist and songwriter Roy Khan and the first with new bassist Sean Tibbetts.

The first disc replicates the original UK album release, opening with 'The Great Pandemonium', which is full throttle metal with growls and riffs, the complete works. An American power metal band, Kamelot do dip into prog metal and symphonic metal territories with style, although the point of 'Dear Editor' I couldn't understand.

Moving on, there are plenty of moments for Khan to show his power as a vocalist and Youngblood his virtuosity as a guitarist. The songwriting is largely strong; the four part title track stands out in both songwriting and performance terms. The album moves from symphonic to moody and back. There are hints of Queensryche at their heavier end.

A couple of tracks you will probably want to skip through but it's as good now as when it first came out only 7 months ago.

To promote the 2011 tour, with temporary stand in vocalist Fabio Leone (Rhapsody), the album is packaged with a bonus live disc, the complete Wacken 2010 show. This was recorded with Khan just before he fell ill. The set opens with album opener 'The Great Pandemonium' and, mixing material new and old, it all goes down a storm. Check out the 10 minute 'Forever' and 7 minute 'March Of Mephisto', classic stuff.

Fans and collectors will love this, but it's a bit much so soon after the original release. Would have been nice to have also added the Japanese and US bonus tracks too.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com