Mephisto's castle. (Moonlight) Resigning himself to death, he approaches Mephisto. (Interlude II: Un Assassinio Molto Silenzioso) Ariel denounces him as traitorous and evil. He cuts his ties to Mephisto, and resolves to live a good life like Helena did, even though his sins have damned his soul to hell anyway. (The Black Halo) Ariel states that humanity will always struggle with the very questions that Ariel has been trying to answer throughout his journey. This prompts him to a sudden realization: that love is the ultimate answer to life, and that the true love between himself and Helena was thus a part of it, even before he left on his quest. He knows now that, even having found his answer, he will never be truly satisfied, and that his free will allows him to create his own meaning of life and his own destiny. With his questions finally answered, he comes to a state of transcendental understanding and sublime joy, so strong that he wishes to linger at that moment forever. (Nothing Ever Dies) This moment of total satisfaction brings into effect the contract that Ariel made with Mephisto, and thus his soul now belongs to the fallen angel. As Ariel's soul begins to leave his body, Mephisto prepares to claim it. However, Helena intercedes to God on Ariel's behalf. Since Ariel has rejected all evil, even in the face of certain damnation, he has redeemed himself, and God allows him to enter heaven with Helena. Mephisto, his bet with God lost, wails as he is cast into hell forever. (Memento Mori) With the story over, it is revealed that Ariel's tale is a playset for a New Year's Eve festival, similar to the framing device of Goethe's Faust. (Interlude III: Midnight – Twelve Tolls for a New Day) The festival ends with a tribute to tragedy, comedy, and the cyclical nature of life. (Serenade) Track listing There is a short hidden track (1:20) in the pregap. Rewinding from "March of Mephisto" on some CD players reveal a couple entering a theatre and being told that they have "just made it to the second act", referring to The Black Halo as the second album in a two-part concept. Charts Personnel Credits for The Black Halo adapted from liner notes. Kamelot Roy Khan – vocals Thomas Youngblood – guitars Glenn Barry – bass Casey Grillo – drums, percussion Additional personnel Miro