Kamelot has been a mainstay of American power metal for more than two decades. Just a couple of weeks ago they released their eleventh studio album “Haven” and their second with vocalist TOmmy Karevik. Long-time fans are probably best acquainted with Roy Khan whose trademark voice graced seven of the band’s albums. He exited the band amidst fatigue and exhaustion four years ago and Tommy Karevik, who had filled in at various points for Khan, was dubbed the new vocalist. Now with a few years under his belt he has come to be a fitting replacement for Khan (and at times his voice can be mistaken for Khan) and continues to cement his place as a member of the band’s history. Founding members Thomas Youngblood (guitar) and Sean Tibbetts (bass), drummer Casey Grillo, and keyboardist Oliver Palotai lay down the music that has made them legends not only in America but around the globe. Much like with previous tours the band has brought with them a guest female vocalist; Linnea Vikstrom, most well known for her work with Therion, helps hold down a position once filled by Alissa White-Gluz and Elize Ryd.
Thomas Youngblood has led Kamelot since its creation and has never steered them wrong. The new album develops upon themes laid down before it and brings it and the band’s music to new heights. Concepts of love, the afterlife, and the burdens of leadership among other things, are explored and mesh well. It’s a little heavier here, a little more melodic there, and it all culminates into a great addition to Kamelot’s ever-changing pantheon.
Tonight, at San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom, they are accompanied by legends in their own right, Dragonforce. I unfortunately missed half of their set (parking in San Francisco is quite the beast!) but I can say the following: they really do play that fast. The music really does sound like 80s video games. They also love to have fun. You can tell that they really enjoy what they do and are here to have an ol’ fashioned good time. The final song, and perhaps their most well known in “Through the Fire and the Flames” had fans singing the whole thing.
When you have eleven albums full of fan-favorites it’s a little hard to limit yourself to one set’s worth of songs, especially with a new album freshly-released and ready for picking. The band opens up with “Rule the World” to get the blood pumping. It has a very familiar opening and any fan should be able to recognize it from the first few seconds. My head starts moving just thinking of it again. The opening strings of “Ghost Opera,” from the album of the same name, follows quickly afterward. Contrary to the lithe words of “welcome all to curtain call” the night has just begun. Get ready for the ride, folks. “The Great Pandemonium,” with guest vocals from Soilwork’s Bjorn Strid, rounds out the First Three. It is at this point that the band brings out a few champagne flutes and toasts to the audience. It is thanks to them that these two decades have been possible. It is thanks to them that “Haven” has risen to where it has.
The first track we would hear from “Haven” would be the single “Veil of Elysium.” Before it officially came out in April it was exposed to fans during earlier tour stops. It sings of the afterlife and the desire to meet your loved ones again on the other side. Two more favorites in the form of “Center of the Universe” and “Karma” from their 2003 album “Epica” and 2001 album “Karma” are next. I sing along. These are songs I’ve listened to countless times and can recite through and through.
After a short break the band returns to the beating drums of “Revolution.” Alissa White-Gluz, now of melodic death metal gods Arch Enemy, lends her growling vocals to the song. This is one the heaviest tracks of the night and got the crowd swaying their heads in tune. Hair windmills spontaneously erupted about the room. “Fallen Star,” also from the new album, follows shortly afterward. I’m glad they played this one. And lucky us; this is its live premiere. From looking at previous setlists I was not expecting it and it’s a welcome surprise.
The last song of the normal set is the classic “Forever.” Much like “Veil of Elysium” before it the theme is the hereafter. Since its release in 2001 it has become a mainstay of Kamelot’s live shows and any concert without it can be considered incomplete.
The encore begins with “Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife)” from the previous album “Silverthorn” and we end with the classic “March of Mephisto.” Tommy directs the audience to get their horns up as if to summon the devil from his slumber. Everyone obliges. A forest of hands springs up in the air, much to his delight. It would not be far off to compare Tommy to the demon overlord at this moment; the crowd is at his command.
Soon enough the lights go on. As the crowd cheers and the band performs their bows the sounds of “Haven” close out the night. In this room, at this moment, we are at home. This night is our haven. New fans as well as old fans are all unified and hopeful of the dawn to come.
Dragonforce:
Fury of the Storm
Three Hammers
The Game
Operation Ground and Pound
Symphony of the Night
Cry Thunder
Valley of the Damned
Ring of Fire
Through the Fire and Flames
Album breakdown:
Maximum Overload: 4
Inhuman Rampage: 2
Sonic Firestorm: 1
The Power Within: 1
Valley of the Damned: 1
Kamelot:
Rule the World
Ghost Opera
The Great Pandemonium
Veil of Elysium
Center of the Universe
Song for Jolee
Karma
Revolution
Torn
Insomnia
When the Lights are Down
Fallen Star
Forever
Encore:
Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife)
March of Mephisto
Album breakdown:
Haven: 4
Silverthorn: 3
Ghost Opera: 2
Karma: 2
The Black Halo: 2
Epica: 1
Poetry for the Poisoned: 1