In 1994 the band signed a deal with Noise Records; the release of their debut album Eternity followed in 1995. The next album, Dominion, was released in 1997.
Later that year, two of the band's members were replaced; drummer and founder Richard Warner and lead vocalist Mark Vanderbilt. Respectively, their replacements were Casey Grillo and Roy Khan (Roy Sætre «Khan» Khantatat from Elverum in Norway - formerly of Conception). With the two new members, Kamelot released their third studio album, Siege Perilous. The new line-up undertook an extensive tour through Europe during the fall of the same year only to return to the Gate Studio in Wolfsburg twelve months later to produce the fourth studio effort The Fourth Legacy.
The summer of 2000 brought the "New Allegiance Tour" through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Greece and Spain during which the recordings for Kamelot's first live album The Expedition were made. Only a few months later the band presented their fifth album entitled Karma, to the greatest critical success yet. Their sixth album, Epica was released in 2003. Both Epica and the band's seventh effort, The Black Halo, which was released in 2005, are based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's version of the legend of Faust, a man who sells his soul to the devil. To support the new album the band went on tour through Europe and Japan during the first leg of the "Black Halo World Tour 2005", with special guests Epica and Kotipelto in Europe and support Silent Force in Japan. They also played on the Bang Your Head!!! Festival in Germany and the Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium.
In 2005 they shot their first music videos ever, for the songs The Haunting (Somewhere in Time) and March of Mephisto from the album The Black Halo. Both videos were shot by acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus. The 5th of October 2005 saw the addition of Oliver Palotai as the fifth official band member. Oliver will handle both keyboards and (additional) guitars.
On the second leg of the "Black Halo World Tour" they visited North and South America (USA, Canada, Brazil) as well as Europe (The Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and Norway). During this part of the tour the bands first live DVD was shot, with the main concert being shot on February 11th, 2006 at Rockefeller Music Hall in Oslo, Norway. The shoot was again handled by Patric Ullaeus. The DVD (and live CD) called One Cold Winter's Night was released in November 2006.
Ghost Opera is the eighth studio album from Kamelot. It was released on June 1st, 2007 via SPV/Steamhammer Records, in Germany and then followed by releases on the fourth and fifth in Europe and the USA, respectively. The album was recorded and mixed at Gate Studios and Pathway Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany with producers Sascha Paeth and Miro. The first video from the album is for the track Ghost Opera, and can be seen on the band's official MySpace site. A video for the song The Human Stain was shot and released later.
Following this was their ninth studio album, Poetry for the Poisoned. It was released on the earMUSIC label, a subdivision of Edel, on September 10, 2010 in Europe, and four days later in North America by the band's own label, KMG Recordings. The release sees the return of founding member Sean Tibbetts (who formerly used the stage name Sean Christians) on bass guitar. A video was recorded for the song The Great Pandemonium and released on the band's official YouTube channel on September 6 (it's also included on the Special Edition DVD release of the album). Simone Simons returns to supply guest vocals on a few songs. Amanda Somerville, Gus G. and Björn "Speed" Strid are also featured.
On September 6, 2010, Kamelot announced that Khan wouldn't be able to perform with the band on their North American tour, just a few days before its scheduled start, and had returned to Norway. While it was initially reported that the band would continue the tour with the Norwegian vocalist Michael Eriksen of Circus Maximus in Khan's place, the band later announced that it would postpone the tour with Khan, though one show was performed with Eriksen at the ProgPower USA XI festival in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 10, 2010. However, on December 16, it was announced that Fabio Lione of Rhapsody of Fire would replace Khan for the remaining and rescheduled dates on the Pandemonium over Latin America, Europe and North America tours in 2011, and later the 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise in 2012. Other guest singers appeared on selected shows, such as Simone Simons singing The Haunting (Somewhere in Time) and Don't You Cry, Tommy Karevik singing Center of the Universe, EdenEcho or The Human Stain, Snowy Shaw as Mephisto on March of Mephisto, Alissa White-Gluz also as Mephisto on March of Mephisto and Atle Pettersen on Karma.
Following a period of uncertainty, Khan and Kamelot released separate statements on April 21 and 22 2011 respectively, announcing Khan's departure from the band for burnout and religious reasons.
On June 22 2012, Kamelot introduced Seventh Wonder's Swedish vocalist Tommy Karevik as their new official vocalist. Karevik had previously appeared as one of the guest singers on the 2011 Pandemonium World Tour, and was thrilled about his new position: “I am so honored to now be a part of this family and I can't wait to move into the new era of the band together with the guys. I fully understand that this comes with great responsibility and that it will be a big challenge for me as a singer as well as a person, but you can rest assured I will give it my all. From this day, a new journey has begun and I am really eager to meet you all along the way to share my passion for this music!”. Their first show with Karevik was on July 12, 2012 at Masters of Rock.
Kamelot returned to the German label SPV GmbH to release their tenth record, which was unveiled as "Silverthorn" in July 2012. Silverthorn was released on October 30th in North America, October 26th in Germany, and October 29th in the rest of Europe via Steamhammer/SPV. The CD marked the band’s first release with new singer, Tommy Karevik.
Silverthorn went directly to the top, debuting at the #1 position on Amazon’s Heavy Metal Chart. Along with this accomplishment, KAMELOT also impacted major charts in other categories including the #9 position on Billboard’s Hard Rock Chart, #24 on the Rock Charts, #79 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart, as well as appearing on multiple international charts.
A music video was released for the first single from Silverthorn, Sacrimony (Angel Of Afterlife). The band joined Nightwish on their North American tour as special guests during September and October 2012 in the period leading up to the release of Silverthorn, along with guest vocalists Elize Ryd and Alissa White-Gluz. Following the North American tour, Kamelot embarked on a headlining European tour during November 2012, with support on the tour coming from Xandria, Triosphere and Blackguard. The band also toured new countries on the Silverthorn world tour including Australia, Korea and Taiwan.
On February 23, 2015 the title, artwork, track listing and official release dates for Kamelot's new album were revealed. The new album titled "HAVEN" will make Kamelot's history as it will be released worldwide (excl. Asia) on Napalm Records/Universal and Napalm Records/ADA/Warner as an exclusive licensing deal through the band’s Kamelot Music LLC on May 5, 2015 (North America) and May 8, 2015 (Europe and rest of the world).
Produced by acclaimed music producer Sascha Paeth and mastered by Jacob Hansen, Haven "features all the signature elements of KAMELOT but the band steps out to add new and modern elements along with bringing some amazing emotions that harken to the band’s earlier days." (Source: official press release). Additional guests include Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy), Troy Donockley (Nightwish) and Charlotte Wessels (Delain).
Following the release of HAVEN, Kamelot will embarque on a massive world tour, starting with North America in April/May 2015 followed by European shows in the Summer 2015 and with The Haven European Tour in September/October 2015 the band will return to Europe for their biggest headliner tour to date.
Current Members:
Current members
Thomas Youngblood – guitars, backing vocals (1987–present)
Oliver Palotai – keyboards, additional guitars (2005–present)
Sean Tibbetts – bass (1991–1992, 2009–present)
Tommy Karevik – lead vocals (2012–present)
Alex Landenburg – drums, percussion (2019–present)
Former members
Rob Beck – lead vocals (1987–1991)
Dirk Van Tilborg – bass, keyboards (1987–1991)
Richard Warner – drums (1987–1997)
Mark Vanderbilt – lead vocals (1991–1998)
David Pavlicko – keyboards (1993–1998)
Glenn Barry – bass (1992–2009)
Roy Khan – lead vocals (1998–2011)
Casey Grillo – drums, percussion (1997–2018)
Johan Nunez – drums, percussion (2018–2019)
Live/Session members
Howard Helm – keyboards (1998–1999)
Günter Werno – keyboards (2000)
Michael Eriksen – lead vocals (2010)
Fabio Lione – lead vocals (2011–2012)
Sascha Paeth – additional guitars (1999–present)
Michael "Miro" Rodenberg – keyboards, backing vocals, orchestral arrangements (1999–present)
Live guest musicians
Elisabeth Kjærnes – additional vocals (2006)
Mats Olausson – keyboards (2003; died 2015)
Heather Shockley – additional vocals (2005)
Mari Youngblood – additional vocals (2005–2007)
Anne-Catrin Maerzke – additional vocals (2007–2009)
Amanda Somerville – additional vocals (2009)
Jake E Berg – vocals (2010–2011)
Charlotte Wessels – additional vocals (2010, 2018)
Elize Ryd – additional vocals (2010–2015, 2017, 2018)
Edu Falaschi – lead vocals (2011)
Simone Simons – additional vocals (2006–2012)
Alissa White-Gluz – additional vocals (2011, 2012–2016, 2018)
Coen Janssen – keyboards (2013)
Linnéa Vikström – additional vocals (2012, 2015)
Floor Jansen – additional vocals (2013)
Marcela Bovio – additional vocals (2013–2014)
Kobra Paige – additional vocals (2015–2017)
Aeva Maurelle – additional vocals (2016)
Noora Louhimo – additional vocals (2018–2019)
Lauren Hart – additional vocals (2018–2019)
Session guest musicians
Dirk Bruinenberg – drums, percussion (1999)
Robert Hunecke-Rizzo – drums, percussion (1999)
Cinzia Rizzo – vocals (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005–2007, 2012)
Mari Youngblood – vocals (2003, 2005–2006)
Luca Turilli – guitars (2003)
Amanda Somerville – vocals (2005–2012)
Simone Simons – vocals (2005–2008, 2010)
Shagrath – vocals (2005)
Jens Johansson – keyboards (2005)
Elize Ryd – vocals (2012)
Anne-Catrin Märzke – vocals (2008)
Jon Oliva – vocals (2010–2011)
Chanty Wunder – vocals (2010–2011)
Björn "Speed" Strid – vocals (2010)
Gus G – guitars (2010)
Alissa White-Gluz – vocals (2012, 2015)
Charlotte Wessels – vocals (2015)
Troy Donockley – uilleann pipes, tin whistle (2015)
Jennifer Haben – vocals (2018)
Lauren Hart – vocals (2018)
Studio albums:
1995 - Eternity
1997 - Dominion
1998 - Siege Perilous
1999 - The Fourth Legacy
2001 - Karma
2003 - Epica
2005 - The Black Halo
2007 - Ghost Opera
2010 - Poetry for the Poisoned
2012 - Silverthorn
2015 - Haven
2018 - The Shadow Theory
Live Albums:
2000 - The Expedition
2006 - One Cold Winter's Night
2020 - I Am the Empire – Live from the 013
Live DVDs:
2006 - One Cold Winter's Night
Demos:
1991 - Demo
2) Kamelot is a czech folk/rock band from Brno found in 1982. The only member who has been in the band the whole time is its founder, Roman Horký.
Current Members:
Roman Horký
Viktor Porkristl
Jiří Meisner
Pavel Plch
Discography:
Studio albums:
1990 - Zachraňte koně
1991 - Tajný výpravy
1992 - Vyznavači ohňů
1993 - Roman Horký a jeho hosté
1994 - Duhová cesta
1995 - Zlatá ryba
1996 - Cesta do ráje
1997 - The Best Of
1997 - Vyhaslý oheň
1998 - Země antilop
1999 - Větrné město
2000 - Vzpomínka na kamaráda
2001 - Paměť slonů
2001 - Pozdní návraty
2002 - Valerie
2004 - Zvláštní svět
2005 - Dlouhá pláž
2006 - Modrá planeta
2007 - 25 - Výběr největších hitů
2009 - Mořská sůl
2010 - 19 ztracených písní Wabiho Ryvoly
Singles:
1995 - Tomáš
1996 - Rio/Hardegg
2004 - Island
Karma
Kamelot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gold and glory
But every king must also die
Have I been just and righteous
What is glory
I know I've torn and taken life
And here I stand
A small and simple man
Who will trade his karma for my kingdom
A sacrificial right to render truth
The fire in my soul rejects my wisdom
'Cause all you do in life comes back to you
I am a king in crisis
Counting minutes
There is an ending to my reign
My sins have come to face me
I can feel it
That I have lived my life in vain
And now I know I'll reap
The seeds I've sown
Who will trade his karma for my kingdom
A sacrificial right to render truth
The fire in my soul rejects my wisdom
'Cause all you do in life comes back to you
Am I mad
I feel so void and cold
Who can tell
Who holds the stories untold
Tired and trembling
I am descending
Will I have to stay here
And live this life again
The song "Karma" by Kamelot is a reflective piece about a king who is contemplating his life and legacy as he nears the end of his reign. The first verse establishes the king's worldly success and stature, but also his awareness of mortality and doubts about the righteousness of his rule. He questions what "glory" really means and acknowledges his past violence and bloodshed. The chorus then poses a heavy existential question: who will exchange their own karma for his kingdom? The king recognizes the universal truth that everything one does in life has a consequence, whether good or bad.
In the second verse, the king is in crisis mode, feeling like he has wasted his time and that his past transgressions are catching up to him. He knows that he will eventually have to face the consequences for the "seeds he's sown". The chorus repeats, highlighting the gravity of the question and emphasizing the idea that there is no escaping the law of karma. The bridge is introspective and almost despairing, with the king feeling empty and uncertain of his fate. He wonders who holds the answers to the untold stories of his life and whether he will have to live it again.
Overall, "Karma" is a meditation on the importance of moral character and living a life of purpose. The lyrics draw heavily from Eastern philosophy and the concept of karma, which states that one’s actions in the present will determine their future experiences. The song encourages listeners to reflect on their own deeds and their consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a king of honor
I am a man of power and integrity
Gold and glory
I have wealth and prosperity
But every king must also die
But I, like all people, will one day pass away
Have I been just and righteous
Have I been fair and morally correct in my actions
What is glory
What does it truly mean to have fame and success
I know I've torn and taken life
I acknowledge that I have caused harm and taken lives
And here I stand
Despite my power, I am humbled
A small and simple man
I am no greater than any other human being
Who will trade his karma for my kingdom
Who would be willing to bear the consequences of my actions in exchange for my power and status
A sacrificial right to render truth
A noble offering to reveal the truth and pay the price for my misdeeds
The fire in my soul rejects my wisdom
Despite my knowledge, I am struggling with internal turmoil
'Cause all you do in life comes back to you
Because every action has consequences that will return to you
I am a king in crisis
I am a man of power facing a significant challenge
Counting minutes
I am aware of the limited time I have left
There is an ending to my reign
My time as a ruler will come to an end
My sins have come to face me
The wrongs I have committed are now confronting me
I can feel it
I am acutely aware of the consequences of my actions
That I have lived my life in vain
That I have not lived a worthwhile and meaningful life
And now I know I'll reap
And now I realize that I will suffer the consequences
The seeds I've sown
Of the actions I have taken in the past
Am I mad
Am I losing my mind
I feel so void and cold
I feel empty and alone
Who can tell
Who knows for sure what the future holds
Who holds the stories untold
Who has the knowledge of what has not yet been revealed
Tired and trembling
Exhausted and fearful
I am descending
I am falling into despair
Will I have to stay here
Will I be trapped in this miserable existence
And live this life again
And repeat the same mistakes and suffer the same consequences
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROY S. KHANTATAT, THOMAS YOUNGBLOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lic. Pedro Badillo
. Karma
I am a king of honor
gold and glory
but every king must also die
have I been just and righteous
what is glory
I know I've torn and taken life
and here I stand
a small and simple man
who will trade his karma for my kingdom
a sacrificial rite to render truth
the fire in my soul rejects my wisdom
cause all you do in life comes back to you
I am a king in crisis
counting minutes
there is an ending to my reign
my sins have come to face me
I can feel it
that I have lived my life in vain
and now I know I'll reap
the seeds I've sown
who will trade his karma for my kingdom
a sacrificial rite to render truth
the fire in my soul rejects my wisdom
cause all you do in life comes back to you
am I mad
I feel so void and cold
who can tell
who holds the stories untold
tired and trembling
I am descending
will I have to stay here
and live this life again
Israel Uvita
Yo soy un rey de honor
Oro y la gloria
Pero cada rey debe morir
He sido justo y recto
Que es la gloria?
Sé que he roto y quitado la vida
Y aquí estoy
Un hombre pequeño y sencillo
Quien negocia su Karma por mi reino?
Un rito de sacrificio para hacer la verdad
El fuego en mi alma rechaza mi sabiduría
Porque todo lo que haces en la vida regresa a ti
Soy un rey en crisis
Con los minutos contados
Hay un final para mi reinado
Mis pecados han llegado al mirarme a la cara
Puedo sentir que he vivido
Mi vida en vano
Y ahora sé que voy a cosechar
Las semillas que he sembrado...
Quien negocia su karma por mi reino?
Un rito de sacrificio para hacer la verdad
El fuego en mi alma rechaza mi sabiduría
Porque todo lo que haces en la vida regresa a ti
Estoy loco?
Me siento tan vacío y frío
Quién puede decir?
Quien tiene las historias no contadas?
Cansado y temblando
Yo soy descendiente
Tendré que quedarme aquí
Y vivir esta vida de nuevo
Quien negocia su karma por mi reino?
Un rito de sacrificio para hacer la verdad
El fuego en mi alma rechaza mi sabiduría
Porque todo lo que haces en la vida regresa a ti
MichaelJStewart
This was my introduction to the band many years ago. Still my fav song from my fav album.
Astroqualia
Same, but I heard this song from a random high skill song pack in the game stepmania. Ended up finding more of their music years later, 0 regrets
Bär
Same!
BecketTheHymnist
How is this song not more popular? It's fire.
mindtraveller100
Why would it be popular? It´s really good...
BecketTheHymnist
@mindtraveller100 True.
Vilda Chaya
Because record execs are greedy and have poor taste
cristencharles
Pedrada atemporal!
moonchild
Masterpiece!
NightwishTarja
hands down one of my favorite Kamelot songs ever