"The awakening" CD by Kamelot

Appears in Digipak.

As one of the most innovative and prestigious bands in modern symphonic metal, KAMELOT is an integral part of the scene. With their distinct works such as The Fourth Legacy (1999), The Black Halo (2005), Silverthorn (2012), Haven (2015, #1 US Hard Rock Albums), and their 2018 release The Shadow Theory, the band achieved top positions in international charts (e.g. #2 US Hard Music Albums). The German Metal Hammer even described the Album as 'so epic that it could be a film soundtrack.' After extensive headlining Tours and performances at the world's largest festivals, KAMELOT is now back with their new Album, The Awakening, which will be released on March 17, 2023. After five years of waiting, KAMELOT is exploring new territories and presenting a blend of symphonic and melodic power metal, as well as some of the hardest tracks in their discography.

KAMELOT has fully dedicated themselves to darkness, making them one of the few bands in the symphonic genre to do so. However, without darkness, there can be no light, and so The Awakening focuses on themes such as determination, strength, overcoming personal conflicts, and personal growth. Furthermore, The Awakening addresses the aspect of societal changes and the overwhelming realization of not having enough time to fully enjoy life. The meticulously crafted production is the work of long-time producer Sascha Paeth, and the mastering was done by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios. As is typical of KAMELOT, prominent guests are featured on their 13th studio Album. From genre stars like Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum) to renowned instrumentalists like violinist Florian Janoske and Grammy-nominated cellist Tina Guo, the Album showcases a wide range of talent.

Characterized by KAMELOT's distinctive sound, 'The Great Divide' immediately starts with a cinematic soundscape that transitions into the dark but hopeful track 'Eventide,' which explores the final farewell of a loved one. The Awakening once again proves its loyalty to KAMELOT's sonic foundation that fans have appreciated for decades. The captivating 'One More Flag in the Ground' emerges as a radio-friendly anthem that tells the story of overcoming an seemingly invincible illness and the associated mental challenges. This track is supported by the voices of JUNO Award-winning musician and producer Brian Howes and his colleague Kobra Paige (Kobra and the Lotus). The operatic 'Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)' impresses with an intense solo by guitarist Thomas Youngblood, accompanied by cellist Tina Guo. She also appears on the epic and synth-heavy 'New Babylon,' which also shines with the dynamic vocal talents of frontman Tommy Karevik, Simone Simons, and Melissa Bonny. The groovy and emotive 'NightSky' is an ode to overcoming personal adversity. 'My Pantheon (Forevermore)' offers some of the Album's hardest moments and most complex guitar solos, while reflective anthems like the Celtic-influenced 'Midsummer's Eve' and the multifaceted 'Willow' provide contrasting elements. With the unmatched talent of singer Tommy Karevik and the technically skilled collaboration with guitarist Thomas Youngblood, drummer Alex Landenburg, keyboardist Oliver Palotai, and bassist Sean Tibbets, The Awakening addresses themes that everyone can directly identify with. KAMELOT's unique sense for bombastic sounds and their harmonious fusion with symphonic theatrics make The Awakening an inspiring milestone that expresses more emotion than ever before.