The festival season is over, and it’s time to dive back into live shows. It’s been over twenty years since I first saw Kamelot perform, and a lot has changed since then. Tonight marks the official start of their tour (the Drachten show didn’t count, according to the tour poster), and a whopping three support acts are set to warm up the sold-out Tivoli in Utrecht.
Unfortunately, we received the news about our attendance late in the afternoon, which made it impossible to get our gear ready in time. This meant we not only missed taking photos but also the first act, Frozen Crown. By the time I arrived at the venue, it was already packed, and the energy was electric. Frozen Crown had just finished, and it was time for Ad Infinitum to take the stage.
Just days before the tour kicked off, Ad Infinitum released their latest album, “Abyss”. Naturally, most of the songs performed tonight were from that album, and there were some dedicated fans in the audience who already knew the lyrics. Even for those unfamiliar with the songs, Ad Infinitum kept everyone entertained. Lead singer Melissa Bonny captivated the crowd with her clean and harsh vocals, while the rest of the band contributed with their strong stage presence and energy. After performing ten songs—seven of which were from “Abyss”—they left the crowd thoroughly warmed up.
Next up was Blackbriar, whose album “A Dark Euphony” was released a year ago, although it feels like just yesterday. This allowed for a better mix of songs from various records. Before the show truly began, lead singer Zora Cock entered the stage wearing a long dark veil that perfectly suited the band’s style and her haunting vocals.
This performance marked the live debut of “We Make Mist” and “Spirit of Forgetfulness,” but I was particularly thrilled when they started “Deadly Diminuendo.” Zora Cock’s voice carries a layer of witchiness that, at times, reminded me of Sharon den Adel from Within Temptation. While they played a good mix of songs like “Crimson Faces” and “Cicada,” I missed earlier singles like “The Seance” and “Walking Over My Grave.” It was also fun to spot Jord Otto, a former colleague of pianist Ruben Wijga (from their Revamp time), snapping photos in the crowd.
After a brief wait due to technical difficulties—likely with one of the monitors or special effects—the Kamelot show finally began, and it was worth the wait. The performance was packed with fire, fireworks, and impressive stage presence.
Kamelot has a massive following in the Netherlands, which was evident from the vibrant energy during the performance. The crowd sang along, clapped, and cheered non-stop. It’s no wonder that halfway through the show, guitarist and founding member Thomas Youngblood addressed the audience, saying, “This is why we always shoot our live shows in the Netherlands. You guys are amazing, thank you!”
As the second leg of the “Awaken the World” tour celebrating their latest release, “The Awakening”, it was no surprise that most of the songs performed were from this album. Tracks like “Opus of the Night,” “New Babylon,” and the slower ballad “Willow” were played. Tommy Karevik, the lead singer, dedicated “Willow” to everyone who has lost someone dear to them, though I personally felt it was one of their weaker ballads.
Melissa Bonny from Ad Infinitum joined Kamelot for a couple of songs, impressively aiding in “Liar Liar” during the encore. The show also featured cool stage effects, including a lifting platform and theatrics from performers dressed in dark robes, with Karevik even taking a turn at Oliver Palotai’s keyboard. While these elements were exciting for first-time attendees, they felt a bit familiar to seasoned fans.
And therein lies my main critique of the performance. Don’t get me wrong—the show was fantastic, the atmosphere electric, and everyone had a great time. However, it felt somewhat lacking in inspiration. The setlist has hardly changed in a couple of years, and Karevik’s brief keyboard interlude felt repetitive. I appreciated that they included great songs from “The Black Halo”, like “March of Mephisto” and “When The Lights Are Down,” but I missed classics from the “Epica” record entirely. It would have been incredible to hear “Descent of an Archangel” or “On the Coldest Winter Night” instead of “Willow” or “Rule The World.” While everyone has their favorites, a little variety in the setlist would be welcomed.
Nonetheless, as mentioned, Kamelot fans never let the band down, and vice versa. I love seeing the band express genuine appreciation for their loyal audience. Everyone had a fantastic time, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next with their upcoming album.
