Silverthorn

Silverthorn is the tenth album on which KAMELOT, welcoming a new vocalist, re-bound heavy riffs, symphonic ornament and dark narrative. As Roy Khan’s successor, Tommy Karevik — who had made his name in Sweden’s Seventh Wonder — joined, and his supple, powerful voice brought the band fresh vitality. Centered on Thomas Youngblood, the band does not loosen its grand, dramatic style in the least even in this new chapter. For all its complex development, each song’s melody is clear and the flow of the drama easy to follow. On “Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife),” “Ashes to Ashes,” “My Confession” and “Silverthorn,” heavy guitars, delicate piano and grand choruses alternate, giving the album a cinematic shadow. On “Torn,” “Falling Like the Fahrenheit,” “Prodigal Son” and “Continuum” too, heaviness and delicacy join tightly, while on “Song for Jolee” and “Veritas” the concept’s narrative is drawn with rich lyricism. Presenting KAMELOT’s worldview forcefully and without diminishment even in a period of major change with a new singer, it is a full work announcing a fine restart under the new lineup.