KAMELOT – I am the Empire – Live from the 013

One Night in Tilburg

On September 14, 2018, a very special thing happened at The 013 in Tilburg, The Netherlands. That evening, Tampa, Florida’s own Kamelot led by mad genius guitarist Thomas Youngblood played a very special concert in a celebration of Symphonic Metal that will long be remembered. What made this evening so special was the guest appearances of Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy), Charlotte Wessels (Delain), Elize Ryd (Amaranthe) and Lauren Hart (Once Human), and more all bringing their own special magic to the avid Kamelot fans in attendance.

Symphonic Metal Celebration

Kamelot has captured the magic of this special evening in the Netherlands on their new live album/Blue Ray release I Am Empire – Live at the 013. The album consists of 21 tracks in total and running at just over 105 minutes, with many of the band’s classics included as well as several songs we hadn’t previously heard live. “Phantom Divine” is a great opener with guest singer Lauren Hart adding her amazing voice to a great song. One of the premiere performances include’s the power ballad “Under Grey Skies” featuring the beautiful Charlotte Wessels in a duet with vocalist Tommy Karevik. Another great song “My Confession” features the string quartet group Eklipse, adding their special talents to this classic Kamelot tune.

Top Notch

The performances on this album are great. The crowd is full of energy, and the production is top notch. Maestro producer Sascha Paeth (Avantasia, Edguy, Angra, Shaaman, Rhapsody of Fire and Epica to start) mixed and mastered the album, so you know it’s amazing. What would a live album be without a drum solo, and newest band member Alex Landenburg does not disappoint on the aptly named “Drum and keys Solo”. With all of the special guests on the album it’s almost a Symphonic metal fest all on one stage in one show that we are fortunate to have captured on film and audio.

Final Notes

Though I did not receive the video to review, I would definitely pick up the full video/music release. Kamelot has long stood as one of the heavyweights in Symphonic Metal, and with this release they have taken another step towards cementing their legendary status. This album has everything a Kamelot maniac could ask for, plus a whole lot more with all of the special guests. So what I’m saying is this, buy this live concert today!

Lineup

Thomas Youngblood – guitars, backing vocals
Oliver Palotai – keyboards, additional guitars
Sean Tibbetts – bass
Tommy Karevik – lead vocals
Alex Landenburg – drums

I am the Empire . Live from the 013 – Tracklist

1. Transcendence (Intro)
2. Phantom Divine (Shadow Empire) featuring Lauren Hart
3. Rule The World
4. Insomnia
5. The Great Pandemonium
6. When The Lights are Down
7. My Confession – fearing Eklipse
8. Veil of Elysium
9. Under Grey Skies – feat. Charlotte Wessels
10. Ravenlight – fearing Sascha Paeth
11. End of Innocence
12. March of Mephisto – fearing Alissa White Gluz
13. Amnesiac
14. Manus Dei
15. Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife) – fearing Alissa White Gluz & Elize Ryd
16. Drum And Keys Solo
17. Here’s to the Fall
18. Forever
19. Burns to Embrace – with Children’s Choir including Thomas Youngblood’s son
20. Liar Liar (Wasteland Monarchy) – fearing Alissa White Gluz
21. Ministrium (Shadow Key)