Kamelot

[Adami]

Didn't really hear any industrial. I only listened once, but it really just sounded like almost every other heavy half time Kamelot riff from the last 2 albums.

[wolfking]

Didn't really hear any industrial. I only listened once, but it really just sounded like almost every other heavy half time Kamelot riff from the last 2 albums.

True, it wasn't really industrial but what I would think they would call industrial for what they can come up with.

[Lowdz]

They started to lose me when it all got too serious sounding. They had a bit of an innocent charm put to Karma that got lost afterward.

[Adami]

Didn't really hear any industrial. I only listened once, but it really just sounded like almost every other heavy half time Kamelot riff from the last 2 albums.

True, it wasn't really industrial but what I would think they would call industrial for what they can come up with.

Yea I feel that. I actually love the mixture of real industrial and metal (though Fear Factory is way too one note for me) and I would be excited if Kamelot introduced actual industrial elements, sadly I think it just means exactly what was in that sample.

[wolfking]

Didn't really hear any industrial. I only listened once, but it really just sounded like almost every other heavy half time Kamelot riff from the last 2 albums.

True, it wasn't really industrial but what I would think they would call industrial for what they can come up with.

Yea I feel that. I actually love the mixture of real industrial and metal (though Fear Factory is way too one note for me) and I would be excited if Kamelot introduced actual industrial elements, sadly I think it just means exactly what was in that sample.

I think so too mate.

[ErHaO]

I love Silverthorn and really like Haven. Musically I prefer some of the classic albums, but I prefer Tommy as a vocalist. Have seen them live 5 times now and they are fantastic. That said, I do think their audio production is a bit too dull/generic sounding, can't exactly pinpoint which aspect, but the different musical elements don't stand out as much as they could.

[ErHaO]

Missed the news about them recording shows this tour, that is great news! The site of the venue (013) they play in here confirms they will record there. I wonder how many shows will be recorded.

[cramx3]

I thought they said the whole tour, but we'll see.  I hope NYC footage makes the cut.

[ErHaO]

I thought they said the whole tour, but we'll see.  I hope NYC footage makes the cut.

"Filming will be done on the entire tour throughout..." So yes, you can interpret it that way. It just sounds like such a massive undertaking if you want to have good quality recordings for every single show (which would require a filming crew and additional prep for every show, right?), which made me assume they will film throughout the entire tour, but not necessarily every show. But I am not an expert, nor is English my native language. So who knows.

I hope they will release at least one full show or one cut from similar venues.

[cramx3]

Yea, to me, it sounds like a small crew recording every show and they will pick and choose the performances for the video.  I have no expectation of a single concert.

[Adami]

That's cool, and I guess it makes sense.

Their last DVD was one of the best concert DVDs I've ever seen. They could have either done this option, or tried to go even bigger/better/more theatrical with guest singers.


I was hoping for the latter, but I'm happy with anything.


Sad we likely won't get Mephisto with sexy blue haired girl though.

[ErHaO]

Well, this way we will get the absolute top performances. And that will be utterly fantastic based on the 5 times I have seen them. And still, there is no reason to not do some special songs/shows here and there. They have always done that during "normal" tours as well (intimate shows with unique acoustic sets, pyrokinetics, special guests in some shows).

So I do hope we will get a recording with Alyssa on MoM, because she is made for that song, as cool as their other guests are.

The venue they play in here is 013, same as Ayreon Universe, hopefully they manage to fill it this time (3000 folks), they deserve it!

[MirrorMask]

Global warming kinda screwed up all the traditions tied to a once predictable wether, but at least from where I'm from, it is said that the last three days of January (29th, 30th and 31th) are the coldest of the year.

So, if you're one those people like me who like to listen specific songs on the anniversaries or locations they talk to, tonight's a good night to listen On the Coldest Winter Night 

[Mindflux]

Dear Kamelotians,

The forthcoming release of The Shadow Theory will mark another chapter in the band’s illustrious career. Coming off of the success of Haven, the band has stepped up their game even more on this new album and the massive tour planned for 2018/2019.
Casey is off to new endeavors! Prior to the recent final recordings, long-time drummer Casey Grillo informed the band that he had made the difficult decision to pursue other music and touring opportunities, in addition to the desire to focus more time on his drumhead company.

“Casey has been my friend and colleague for nearly 20 years. We have seen and done a lot together both in and outside of Kamelot. As his friends, the band and I respect his decision. I’m sure that we will all still be hanging out together when we have down time.” adds Kamelot guitarist Thomas Youngblood (Official).

In a letter regarding his departure, Casey states: “First and foremost I would like to thank all of the Kamelot fans around the world for your support during my time with the band. It has afforded me the opportunity to travel the globe, meet the most amazing people, experience so many cultures, and to share some of the most memorable experiences of my life. Between the various other musical endeavors I am involved with, along with my rapidly growing business DrumStatic.com, it really just became evident it was time for me to explore and focus on these new opportunities without compromising the exclusivity Kamelot needs and deserves.”

The technical musical arrangements and intense touring demands drove the band to enlist a proficient and energetic musician which would fit perfectly within the Kamelot machine. The new Kamelot drummer is someone you may already know, so please welcome with open arms Johan "Jo" Nunez. This 29 year old drum master and instructor has been touring and playing on albums with Marty Freedman, Gus G, Firewind, Nightrage and more. "We knew Johan already from touring and he worked with us on the entire recent European tour. He's a sensational drummer, and was an easy choice in my mind. Be sure to make him feel welcome, and bug him for a photo, he’s a super nice dude!" adds Kamelot bassist Sean Tibbetts.

Johan Nunez states: “I am thrilled to join the Kamelot family! I’ve known the band for well over 15 years and always looked up to Casey as a drummer, so it was a big honor for me when I was asked to step in. I have toured in the past with Kamelot and I could see how dedicated and loving their fans are! Everybody in the band and crew has been wonderful and already made me feel at home, so I’m really excited to meet you all soon on the road!”

Casey concurs with the selection and adds: “I sincerely ask for you all to give a warm welcome to Johan Nunez, and to embrace him as the new drummer. He is a great guy and will proudly represent and continue the Kamelot legacy!“

The band wishes Casey all the best in his future musical and business journeys. As part of the Kam family, he will continue to work behind the scenes with band.

The band is also confident that with the release of The Shadow Theory, fans will immediately recognize that Johan’s fantastic musicianship is a perfect choice for Kamelot. They can't wait for you to meet him on tour!

Learn more about Johan Nunez here: www.kamelot.com/site/johan-nunez
Or on his facebook page: www.facebook.com/johannunezofficial

European and Japan Tour dates coming this week and some big endorsement announcements!

#kamelot #theshadowtheory #kamelot2k18 #newalbum
Photo credits: #1 #2 by Tim Tronckoe photography, #3 by Firenesia

TL;DR Casey Grillo (Drums) has decided to go on elsewhere. (Queensryche perhaps?)

[The Walrus]

WTF?!

[MirrorMask]

Well, that sucks. The changes have been gradual over time but by now it's just another situation like Iced Earth - the guitarist and everybody else. Let's hope this change will be the last one!

[Mindflux]

WTF?!

Yeah man. Casey was a great fit for the band (IMO) and a super cool dude.  Met him once before a show a year or two ago here in town.

[cramx3]

Interesting but not surprising.  The band played without him recently and he was touring with Queensyrche. 

[Grappler]

Argh.   

Looking forward to hearing the album, and I hope it brings a little something new to the table.  The last two with Tommy sound like the band is just on auto-pilot. 

[The Walrus]

WTF?!

Yeah man. Casey was a great fit for the band (IMO) and a super cool dude.  Met him once before a show a year or two ago here in town.

He's a great guy, and *the* Kamelot drummer imo. I'm sure the new guy is great, and since Tom and Oliver do pretty much all the songwriting, I doubt the creative processes in the band will change, but man, Casey could beat the crap out of those drums, and was one of the few drummers I genuinely enjoyed watching over the rest of the band. He's a fantastic player and it sucks to see him go. I'll be paying double attention to his work on The Shadow Theory now.

Best of luck to him with his future endeavors, I wish him nothing but success.

[Adami]

Not too shocking.

Glad it seems to have been on very good terms. Sad the new tour won’t be with him....I think? I hope it is.

[jingle.boy]

Not too shocking.

Glad it seems to have been on very good terms. Sad the new tour won’t be with him....I think? I hope it is.

^ this.  Sounds like Casey is already gone, and this is just the formal announcement that Johan is "permanent".

[Adami]

So Casey won’t be on the new tour? Shame. I’m sure I’ll survive though.

[Mark Levinson Jr.]

So, does this mean that Casey is the drummer on the new album? ...and left after the album was finished?

[cramx3]

So, does this mean that Casey is the drummer on the new album? ...and left after the album was finished?

Said he told them "prior to the recent final recordings" which makes me feel like he was there to record, but it's not clear exactly.

[Mark Levinson Jr.]

So, does this mean that Casey is the drummer on the new album? ...and left after the album was finished?

Said he told them "prior to the recent final recordings" which makes me feel like he was there to record, but it's not clear exactly.

OK, so I'm not the only one who didn't quite get that.
Prior to recording the drums, or prior to the final album tweaks that are always done right before the release date is announced.

[Grappler]

Towards the end of the statement, it says that fans will appreciate Johan's musicianship on the album.  I believe that the new dude recorded the drums, since Casey informed the band of his intent to leave prior to the recording sessions.

[Mister Gold]

Well, that sucks. The changes have been gradual over time but by now it's just another situation like Iced Earth - the guitarist and everybody else. Let's hope this change will be the last one!

Actually Sean is the original Kamelot bassist and co-founded the band with Thomas back in the day. He left the band before they recorded their first album and then rejoined when that bassist left back around 2009. So he's not the "classic" Kamelot bassist, but he is an original founding bandmate.

[MirrorMask]

Right, forgot about that!

[Destiny Of Chaos]

Been a Kamelot fan for 18 years and while it's sad to see Casey go, it's great to see band departures with out a shred of external drama. The new drummer is very talent so I don't see the band.....missing a beat.

[Nick]

so I don't see the band.....missing a beat.

Hooray, the steady march of mediocrity continues unimpeded!

[TAC]

so I don't see the band.....missing a beat.

Hooray, the steady march of mediocrity continues unimpeded!

 

So true.

[cramx3]

Is that the March of Mephisto?

And agreed, it's nice to see a band parting ways with a long time member without any drama.

[The Walrus]

I'm not gonna write off TST just yet - I am seeing the band at the end of April and I want to be a little excited, I think I'll have seen them more than any other band at that point - but I am very nervous because the samples, tracklist, and artwork scream 'same stuff, different year.'

This isn't a concept album, is it? I was organizing my collection last weekend and came across my nearly mint, untouched Silverthorn box. Not sure where I put the poster (which, by the way, has the most airbrushed photos of male metal musicians I've ever seen and it is so funny I couldn't even put it on the wall), but everything else was like it had never been touched. I've never read the Silverthorn storybook or taken the instrumental CD out of its slipcase... hell I don't think I'd ever taken the main album out of the box until I decided to finally put it on the shelf (instead of keeping it in said box). Best part... bought the whole box set on Amazon for $14 when the album dropped. Not sure if it was a mistake or not... but that was a good deal.

[Destiny Of Chaos]

While I don't think Kamelot will ever return to the level of awesome of the Fourth Legacy - The Black Halo run, I do hold Silverthorn & Haven in much higher regard than Ghost Opera and Poetry for the Poisoned. I expect The Shadow Theory to be very similar to the previous two albums, but that is by no means a bad thing!