One of the most innovative and prestigious bands in modern symphonic metal, heavy icons KAMELOT present their most introspective, uplifting, vital release to date - their first full-length in five years, 2023’s aptly titled The Awakening.
“The Power of One” - what does this mean to modern symphonic/gothic metal masters KAMELOT? Above all else, it means sticking to a singular vision from beginning to end, which is exactly what’s allowed the multinational quintet to become the leading force in their field for roughly 25 years.
On their 13th studio album, The Awakening, the band expressly invites listeners to discover “the power of one” within themselves as well. Exuding the impassioned songwriting, complex musicianship, and sophisticated production that’s always made KAMELOT a remarkable act, the LP offers a more diverse, uplifting, and introspective journey compared to bleaker predecessor The Shadow Theory. As such, The Awakening encourages its audience to, well, awaken not only to the grandeur of its genre(s), but to the greatness of life itself.
Formed by guitarist Thomas Youngblood in 1991, KAMELOT also includes bassist Sean Tibbetts, keyboardist Oliver Palotai, and vocalist Tommy Karevik. In addition, The Awakening is their first original recording with drummer Alex Landenburg, whom Youngblood praises as “extremely creative, cool, and positive,” adding: “The drums on this record are amazing, and he definitely brings invigorating energy and chemistry to what we do.”
Given their extensive history and renowned artistry—spread across two dozen studio LPs and two live records—it’s only right that the group has amassed so many fans and accolades over the last quarter-century.
Having reigned supreme with the release of internationally top-charting melodic metal pinnacles such as The Fourth Legacy (1999), The Black Halo (2005), Silverthorn (2012), Haven (2015, #1 US Hard Rock Albums), and most recently 2018’s acclaimed The Shadow Theory (#2 US Hard Music Albums), The Awakening enters the KAMELOT legacy as their most massive and diverse offering yet - mixing symphonic, gothic, melodic, progressive and power metal styles while yielding some of the heaviest tracks in the band’s history.
Understandably, The Awakening arrives with vast expectations, yet as always, KAMELOT unquestionably exceeded them. In fact, even the title represents the band’s commitment to (and message of) seizing every opportunity and appreciating every moment in a post-pandemic world. “Initially, it was about awakening our senses to what was really important because we all kind of got forced to stay home more and be more social with our family and friends. It’s about awakening from our slumber and welcoming the new world,” Youngblood ponders.
The Awakening tackles a wide-array of resonant and pertinent topics that virtually all listeners can relate to. From explorations of societal division (“New Babylon”) and parent-child relationships (“NightSky”) to declarations of unrelenting strength (“My Pantheon (Forevermore),” “The Looking Glass,” “The Great Divide”) and hopeful outlooks (“Midsummer’s Eve,” “Willow”), every track on The Awakening is as deeply contemplative as it is hugely entertaining.
That blend of freshness and familiarity also extends to the music, with The Awakening cleverly evoking some earlier styles amidst incorporating innovative approaches.
Youngblood aptly explains: “There’s some stuff that harkens back to what made The Fourth Legacy and The Black Halo so special. At the same time, we figured why not have some fun and write some modern metal material as well. Honestly, the record is packed with everything that KAMELOT fans like.”
Helping bring the band’s vision to life are longtime partner Sascha Paeth—who’s produced every studio LP since The Fourth Legacy—and returning The Shadow Theory collaborator Jacob Hansen (Volbeat) on mastering and mixing duties.