The American power metallers Kamelot are back with their tenth studio release. It is their first with their new singer Tommy Karevik (Seventh Wonder) after the departure of Roy Khan who was the band’s frontman since 1998. The band with Roy Khan established themselves as an energetic power metal existence with albums like “Karma” and “The Fourth Legacy”. As the years passed the more symphonic albums came like “The Black Halo” and “Ghost Opera” that widened the musical horizons with less heavy parts and more operatic vibe.
“Silverthorn” marks the return of the more straightforward power metal sound with energetic and powerful sounds. Tommy Karevik sounds like he was meant to sing these tunes although having heard his voice at full extent, he did not utilize his full vocal range. Maybe because the songs were written while Khan was still in the band or maybe they did not want to alienate their fans, but Tommy mainly sings in his low end of his vocal range.
Lyrically, the album deals with the story of a young girl in the 19th century who dies in a tragic accident witnessed only by her two twin brothers. Her family deals with events leading to secrets and betrayal.
Songs like “Torn” and “Veritas” are more aggressive and heavy than anything the band has written since “Epica”. The title track has the feel of something really special and displays the balance between the violin orchestrations and the heavy power metal choruses.
For the second straight album we have Greek elements in this release. After Gus G., Bob Katsionis is featured as a songwriter in two songs of the album. The first one “Falling like the Fahreneit” is featured in the normal tracklisting is a powerful mid- tempo song and the second “Leaving Too Soon” is featured in the Japanese edition as a bonus track. Elize Ryd from Amaranth and Alissa White-Gluz from The Agonist are the two female vocalists that surround the band in this album.
“Silverthorn” will satisfy even the most demanding Kamelot fan. Some said that the band would never be the same without Khan but they showed (once again) that they are a very talented group of musicians that do not rely on one person to make the difference.
