The Kamelot case, 2026 edition: Dark Asylum splits the press like rarely before. On one side, Distorted Sound (8/10) hears « one of their best releases in a long while », marrying the early prog side with recent-years catchiness. On the other, Angry Metal Guy pulls a lethal 2.5/5: « not fresh, not exciting », muffled rhythm guitars, decorative harsh vocals.
One thing unites everyone, disappointed included: Tommy Karevik. His performance is called a « vocal masterclass » by Distorted Sound, and even AMG concedes « a riveting vocal performance ». Oliver Palotai’s orchestrations are the record’s other safe bet.
At 68/100 on both sides (critics AND public), the consensus says something simple: a fine Kamelot record for people who love Kamelot, with no new argument for anyone else. The slower back end drags — even its biggest champion concedes it.