Black Fate: Ithaca (Rockshots, 2020)

Assuming they’re not still geeking out over the new Conception album, there’s a new album for all those depressed fans of the Khan-era Kamelot albums to love. It’s the latest offering from Greek progressive metallers Black Fate, titled Epica – sorry, Ithaca – and it’s like pulling on a comfy sweater of theatrical progressive power metal.

I suppose it’s not fair to judge Black Fate by their similarity to classic Kamelot, but hey, that’s what people notice first and that’s what people love about them. It helps that they’re really good at what they do. Not just singer Vasilis Georgiu (also with Sunburst), who’s a dead-ringer vocally for Roy Khan, but the whole band, who keeps coming up with these albums full of powerful melodies, grand atmospheres and just enough technicality to keep things interesting. The overall sound is still squarely in that Karma/Epica zone, and that’s not a bad place to be.

Theatrical and epic, but not quite a concept album, Ithaca boasts a solid dozen very strong tracks. If you want to get a feel for the overall style and impact, songs like “Savior Machine” and “Maze” get the job done. “Secret Place” and the title track are also highlights.

Black Fate continues to perfect their sound, and Ithaca is their best album yet. Naturally, fans of the classic Khan era of Kamelot will enjoy this one the most, but anyone who likes dramatic progressive power metal along the lines of Conception, Sunburst, Evergrey and Stratovarius ought to really enjoy this one.