Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Kamelot - The Awakening (2023)
It's amazing how when a band ends up missing earlier recording/release deadlines due to issues like the pandemic, the result is still wonderful. Although some other bands like Trivium record an album right after releasing the previous one, Kamelot took the time to strengthen their songs into perfection, barely having any rush. With that, the wait was definitely worth it with their first album in 5 years, The Awakening, released on March 17!
I guess you can consider this album Kamelot's reawakening. As amazing as this is, I find some slight disappointment that knocks a half-star off the otherwise perfect score that would've made it the band's best release since Ghost Opera. See, the minor issue is, the band has modernized their symphonic metal sound in two of the albums from the era of current vocalist Tommy Karevik such as Haven and The Shadow Theory, as they try to reinvent the genre's wheel. While there's a slight bit of that in The Awakening, the rest of what they have now is a return to their earlier majestic melodies and emotions. They've awakened after 5 years of silence and brought back their roots!
The "Overture" is the instrumental intro that serves as an epic setup for the symphonic power metal action to come... The grand "Great Divide" kicks it off and rides like a cinematic rollercoaster. Kamelot is indeed back! Heartful single "Eventide" has restored the joy and confidence I've had for this band that has allowed me to still follow their power metal along with DragonForce. The anthemic "One More Flag in the Ground" pulls you straight through power metal, though I must admit, my thoughts there are mixed. "Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)" has reminded me of the band that got me into the symphonic metal part of my epic metal taste 10 years ago. The guitar harmonies and orchestra make a fantastic combo. The song itself is like a sequel to the title track of Ghost Opera! Tina Guo performs beautiful cello soloing. An unbelievable single!
"Midsummer’s Eve" is a beautiful atmospheric Celtic ballad. A warm addition to that track is some more of the cello/violin by Tina Guo. "Bloodmoon" works well in the storytelling lyrics, though a bit faulty. Then there's the emotional yet heavy "Nightsky". That's followed by a progressive favorite, "The Looking Glass".
A true world-building anthem "New Babylon" shows you the Kamelot you know to love. The guest contributions by Simone Simons (Epica) and Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum) add in stellar dynamic. Wow, that's like "Sacrimony" all over again! Another piano ballad, "Willow" has the delicate passion of Nightwish's ballads, but it's a bit forgettable. "My Pantheon (Forevermore)" has the most impressive guitar and drums in killer balance with the earlier softness. The outro "Ephemera" is a pleasant orchestral finale.
With all that said, The Awakening marks a full comeback for the signature elements of Kamelot, with the best moments worth praising. However, it would've been perfect if a couple tracks didn't sound too recycled in the chorus and melodies. That was the small problem I've had with most power metal bands recently, which is why my revisits to the genre ultimate didn't pay off. Cliche tropes aside, The Awakening proves that Kamelot is a respectable band with all their wonderful grace. They're still on top of the game when it comes to European power metal to America. I'm glad this reawakening worked out so well!
Favorites: "The Great Divide", "Eventide", "Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)", "The Looking Glass", "New Babylon", "My Pantheon (Forevermore)"