Kamelot Silverthorn 2012

Kamelot, one of leading band in power metal, is back with new album Silverthorn. Let's go to the real story, we want to hear Kamelot's new singer. Tommy Karevik is actually not new for me as I am also listener to Seventh Wonder, Tommy's ex band. And actually I'm a little soured when get the news Tommy going to leave Seventh Wonder and join Kamelot. Thinking that Kamelot already established and his last couple album maybe over their peak by now, while Seventh Wonder is growing hot. Fortunately, and again actually I'ved a prediction, Kamelot back in great form. Silverthorn is outstanding in Kamelot's standard. Not only that Tommy's performance that blend into Kamelot music smoothly, musically is also improved from album Poetry for the Poisoned.

After the Kamelot's typically good instrumental prelude Manus Dei, Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife) we got to listen Tommy's real deal with Kamelot style of metal. Melodic manuever in song writing , from low notes to high one is conquered sweet by the new singer that replace Roy Kahn. They also lost no momentum and bring full force of femme fatale to orchestrated this song. Elize Rod, Amanda Somerville and death metaller Alissa White-Gluz (the Agonist) are in, as well string quartet Eklipse. The album storyline is about siblings losing their sister, completely works for this album. Ashes to Ashes solely based on Kamelot scale riff, Thomas Youngblood is on fire by now and so do the song picked up from previous track very well. Torn comes with catchy orchestration, Kamelot's signature low notes singing is proved home playground for Tommy Karevik. Song for Jolee is another challenge song, for this I think Roy Kahn can do something completely different, but Tommy is the one who put his stamp here. Another good duet singing in Veritas. The last part of album decorated with Falling Like The Fahrenheit, a very specific Kamelot style. Then Prodigal Son as the closing gregorian soundtrack.

Kamelot music is about 90% utilizing strength of voice, understandable this make Roy Kahn one of leading voice in metal in last decade. Tommy Karevik pick up where Roy left incredibly, his voice in Silverthorn re-established the band who previously going into mental block phase. The rest of band is supportive, Thomas Youngblood did a balance between leading and backing the music, Kamelot is never fanatical shred, but the guitar solos on every song is sweet and emotional. I am all with other reviewer that this album kick ass.

Metalharem class: ********* nine stars out of ten

Kamelot Silverthorn 2012
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1. Manus Dei

2. Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife)

3. Ashes to Ashes

4. Torn

5. Song for Jolee

6. Veritas

7. My Confession

8. Silverthorn

9. Falling like the Fahrenheit

10. Solitaire

11. Prodigal Son

12. Continuum 

Thomas Youngblood - guitars

Casey Grillo - drums

Oliver Palotai - keyboards

Sean Tibbetts - bass

Tommy Karevik - vocals

Gothic artwork for cover

Tommy Karevik, Elize Rodd, Alissa White-Gluz (photo from social network)