Karma cover

Karma

Kamelot · 2001

60 min · 13 tracks · power metal

Epic orchestral arrangements intertwine with soaring vocals and intricate guitar work, creating a dramatic power metal landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Forever — This track showcases Kamelot's signature blend of emotional depth and powerful instrumentation, becoming a staple in their live performances.
  • →
    The Spell — With its dynamic shifts between serenity and intensity, this track exemplifies the band's skill in creating theatrical narratives through music.
  • →
    Elizabeth: III. Fall From Grace — This lengthy epic concludes the Elizabeth trilogy, weaving complex storytelling with haunting melodies that highlight Kamelot's lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Karma showcases strong compositions and orchestration, solidifying Kamelot's place in power metal while maintaining a cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with an orchestral intro that sets a dramatic tone, followed by tracks that consistently feature layered vocal harmonies and intricate guitar solos.
  • Several tracks incorporate symphonic elements, such as strings and choirs, which enhance the epic feel of the music.
  • The last three tracks form a cohesive narrative arc, with 'Elizabeth' divided into three parts that flow seamlessly into one another.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with climactic moments
  • soaring vocals for epic listening
  • mythical themes for immersive experience
  • wave-like pacing that captivates
  • emotional arcs through each track

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer standalone singles over albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Karma is Kamelot's fifth studio album, released on July 9, 2001, during a period of growing recognition in the power metal scene. Following the success of their previous album, The Fourth Legacy, this release solidified their artistic direction and expanded their fanbase internationally.
Stylistic neighbors
Nightwish· Epica· Sonata Arctica

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Spell

    A pivotal moment features an invocation that shifts from desperation to empowerment, revealing deeper layers of conflict within the narrative.

    This transition not only underscores the song's thematic tension but also showcases Kamelot's ability to craft compelling story arcs in their songwriting.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Regalis apertura 1:57
  • 2 Forever 4:07
  • 3 Wings of Despair 4:32
  • 4 The Spell 4:20
  • 5 Don't You Cry 4:18
  • 6 Karma 5:12
  • 7 The Light I Shine on You 4:15
  • 8 Temples of Gold 4:11
  • 9 Across the Highlands 3:46
  • 10 Elizabeth: I. Mirror Mirror 4:22
  • 11 Elizabeth: II. Requiem for the Innocent 3:46
  • 12 Elizabeth: III. Fall From Grace 11:05
  • 13 Ne pleure pas 4:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata