Siege Perilous

Siege Perilous is an early album on which KAMELOT layered classical resonance and narrative over the strength of melodic metal, and a decisive turning point in the band’s history. From this record Roy Khan, formerly of Conception, joined on vocals, and his expressive, noble voice greatly transformed KAMELOT’s music. Different from Mark Vanderbilt before him, Khan’s singing — combining delicacy and strength — instantly widened the band’s expressive possibilities. Guitars and keyboards build a heavy backdrop, and Khan’s singing gives the songs a heroic outline. On “Providence,” “Millennium,” “King’s Eyes” and “Where I Reign,” the writing is less complex than later work, but the quality of the melody comes across all the more directly. On “Rhydin,” “Parting Visions,” “Irea,” “Once a Dream” and “Siege” too, stately arrangement joins melancholy melody, and lyricism and drama already show at a high level. Gaining a rare singer in Roy Khan, the band’s symphonic, theatrical direction begins to bloom in earnest from here. It is a record of real significance, announcing the start of KAMELOT’s golden era.