Kamelot – The Awakening (2xLP, 45RPM)

The album of the year: Kamelot set new standards in Symphonic Metal!

As one of the most innovative and prestigious bands of modern symphonic metal, it is impossible to imagine the scene without Kamelot. With their distinctive works such as The Fourth Legacy (1999), The Black Halo (2005), Silverthorn (2012), Haven (2015, #1 US Hard Rock Albums) and also with The Shadow Theory released in 2018, the band reached top positions in the international charts (e.g. #2 US Hard Music Albums). The German Metal Hammer even called the album "so epic that it could be a movie soundtrack".

After extensive headlining tours and appearances at the world's biggest festivals, Kamelot are now back with their new album, The Awakening, released via Napalm Records. After five years of waiting, Kamelot conquer new realms and present a mix of symphonic and melodic power metal as well as some of the heaviest tracks of their discography so far.

Kamelot are one of the few bands in the symphonic field that have fully committed themselves to darkness. But without darkness there can be no light and so The Awakening focuses on themes like determination, strength, overcoming personal conflicts as well as one's own development. In addition, The Awakening deals with the aspect of social change and the seemingly overwhelming realization of not having enough time to savor life in its entirety.

Longtime producer Sascha Paeth is responsible for the production, which is polished down to the last detail, and the mastering was done by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios. As is typical for Kamelot, their 13th studio album also features prominent guests. From genre stars like Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum) to renowned instrumentalists like violinist Florian Janoske and soundtrack-proven cellist Tina Guo, who has already been nominated for a Grammy.

Characterized by Kamelot's signature sound, "The Great Divide" kicks off immediately with a cinematic soundscape that transitions into the somber but hopeful track "Eventide," which focuses on the final farewell of a loved one. In doing so, The Awakening once again proves that it remains true to Kamelot's sonic foundation, which fans have appreciated for decades. The captivating "One More Flag in the Ground" turns out to be a radio-ready anthem that tells of overcoming a seemingly invincible illness, as well as the mental challenges that come with it. This track is supported by the voice of JUNO Award-winning musician and producer Brian Howes. The operatic "Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)" convinces with an intense solo by guitarist Thomas Youngblood, which is accompanied by cellist Tina Guo. She is equally featured on the epic and synth-heavy "New Babylon," which also shines with the dynamic color vocals of frontman Tommy Karevik and Melissa Bonny. The groovy, soulful "NightSky" is an ode to overcoming your own adversity. "My Pantheon (Forevermore)" offers some of the album's heaviest moments and most complex guitar solos, while pensive anthems like the Celtic-tinged "Midsummer's Eve" and the multi-faceted "Willow" provide a fitting contrast.

With the incomparable skill of vocalist Tommy Karevik and the technically-savvy collaboration of guitarist Thomas Youngblood, drummer Alex Landenburg, keyboardist Oliver Palotai and bassist Sean Tibbetts, The Awakening deals with themes that everyone can directly identify with. Kamelot's unique flair for bombastic sounds and their harmonious combination with symphonic theatricality makes The Awakening an inspiring milestone that expresses more emotionality than ever.