KAMELOT – Haven

One of the leading forces in Symphonic Metal returns with their eleventh album, which is also the second one with vocalist Tommy Karevik, who followed Roy Khan in 2012.

With a reputation to lose, Kamelot does not take too many risks on Haven, but offers their usual trademarks to their fans. In contrast to their greatest efforts, the new album does show a certain lack of memorable hooklines upon the first spins, but given time it will grow on the listener. Still, with the symphonic aspect brought more prominently into the light, it is opulent, but lacks a Metal punch at times.

Returns to their greatness are the more dynamic and longer songs like “Citizen Zero” and “Liar Liar (Wasteland Monarchy)”. These moments make Haven enjoyable while not standing eye to eye with their best efforts during the first half of the past decade.