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Symphonic Metal
Napalm
New Release
Kamelot
Dark Asylum
Reviewed in issue:
116
Release Date:
28 Aug 2026
Reviewed by:
🟣 Ian Johnson
For Fans Of
Symphony X
Epica
Seventh Wonder
Top three tracks
• Ashen World
• Dark Tranquility
• Ivy, My Dear
Fireworks Verdict:
"this could be (on its many, many playthroughs) the best Kamelot album so far!"
THE REVIEW
Words Of Wisdom!
A new concept saga from Kamelot, a story of madness, despair and ultimately hope. Set in a Victorian Gothic mental asylum with a host of strange, odd and weird characters, this is Kamelot at their collective best. Musically, lyrically, performance wise, we find this band on volcanic fire. The story, roughly, is about a protagonist sent to RavenHill Asylum, where behind every door lies a story full of psychological drama that sends the character at first into despair, but in the end leading to a life changing conclusion. Just on that short synopsis, what’s not to like? Then add to this the music of Kamelot and it’s a winner from the opening intro to the closing outro.
"Just on that short synopsis, what’s not to like?"
As this is a story-driven album let’s choose a few songs to talk about. First, the single ‘Ashen World’ (you’ll have seen the video by now) kicks things off proper. The track is Kamelot distilled in a nutshell – powerful riffs, an amazing musicality from all involved, and that stunning Tommy Karevik voice topping everything off. ‘Dark Tranquility’ follows on its heels, and it’s a devastatingly catchy, hook-filled song that this band do so, so well. Choirs and female harmony vocals usher in the amazing ‘Sanctuary’, then comes ‘One Last Masquerade’ where Karevik gives us a strong vocal; when he’s joined by guest Tobias Sammet, it’s a success all the way to the bank. I’m a sucker for Karevik when he sings a ballad, and ‘Ivy, My Dear’ is right up there with his best, it’s so emotional and heartfelt. With space at a premium, please check out the memorable ‘Godlike Academy’, ‘The Sleeping Mind (Orphic Paradigm)’, ‘Kaleidoscope’, the mid-paced ‘Enigma (Think Of Me)’ and ‘The Puppet King’. Songs that get your musical blood a-pumping and prove that Kamelot have few, if any, rivals in this genre.
"Songs that get your musical blood a-pumping and prove that Kamelot have few, if any, rivals in this genre."
I’ve been with the Kamelot through every iteration of the band, and as much as I adore all of the Roy Khan era, this could be (on its many, many playthroughs) the best Kamelot album so far! Everything just clicks into place; Thomas Youngblood’s guitar, Karevik’s vocals, Oliver Palotai’s keyboards, Sean Tibbetts’ bass and Alex Landenburg’s drums, making this one of the best albums I’ve heard this year – yes, it is that good. Well done Kamelot.
Reviewer:
🟣 Ian Johnson
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