Kamelot - Dark Asylum (2026)

Unleashing the most explosive and expansive Symphonic/Progressive Metal release of 2026, today we have Kamelot and their immersive “Dark Asylum”. With each release getting more bombastic and engaging than the last, the band returns with 51 minutes of magical music that will immerse you into the band’s world from the start and never let go. The band has honed in their craft to near perfection over the years as each album is more cinematic and grandiose than their previous one.

Opening with the bombastic “Ashen World”, we instantly get the band’s signature style of engaging choir arrangements alongside lush orchestrations led by the gifted talents of Tommy Karevik. Alongside the band’s rich and dynamic sound, the guests in this release do not disappoint with Ignacia Fernández (Decessus and Miss World Chile), Clémentine Delauney (Visions of Atlantis), and Rannveig Sif Sigurðardóttir gracing tracks like “Ashen World”, “Dark Asylum”, and “Beneath the Moon” with their voices.

Additionally we have Tobias Sammet on “One Last Masquerade”, alongside extra guitars from Sascha Paeth. And while all these guests further elevate the band’s music, the core of Oliver Palotai, Thomas Youngblood, and Sean Tibbetts keep things explosive and filled with crafty arrangements. Songs like “Sanctuary”, “One Last Masquerade”, and “Kaleidoscope” have that dramatic and highly energetic bombastic approach that is both catchy and highly engaging, showcasing the band’s undeniable signature sound.

As one of the most unique tracks in this release, we have the folky “Beneath the Moon”, a song that nicely flows as the album progresses and keeps the overall cinematic vibe going. Overall, “Dark Asylum” is one of those over-the-top releases filled with details and lush arrangements while being Metal at its core thanks to its excellent guitar work and superb drumming. Kamelot continues to deliver excellent releases and backs them up with intense live performances, so be sure to catch them on the road as they promote this release in the coming months through North America and Europe.

Rating: 96/100