Haven is the second
Kamelot album with vocalist
Tommy Karevik, following 2012's Silverthorn by three years -- an extended absence from the studio that is atypical for this otherwise prolific outfit.
Karevik was a great fit for founding frontman
Roy Khan, due to a near identical physical resemblance in their voices. Also returning to reprise her role on Silverthorn is guest
Alissa White-Gluz from
Arch Enemy, who adds grit, fire, and grace to "Liar Liar (Wasteland Monarchy)" as a duet partner, and some stylistic extremes in her four-octave range on the chugging "Revolution." "Under Grey Skies" features the lithe singing of
Delain's
Charlotte Wessels and the Uilleann pipes of
Nightwish's
Troy Donockley. Musically,
Kamelot stick closely to their established M.O.: lushly textured power metal with prog alliterations and polished production. Throughout, melodic guitars, detailed keyboard effects, enormous, clean drums and angular basslines provide a sophisticated -- and often syncopated -- foundation for
Karevik to soar over. He is also backed by a near operatic female backing chorale on most tracks. In addition to the aforementioned tracks, standouts include "Veil of Elysium," "My Therapy," and "End of Innocence." [A Deluxe FYE version added a second disc with acoustic, instrumental, or orchestral versions of songs from the album.] ~ Thom Jurek