Draeden's Succubus Showcase: Amanda Somerville

Amanda Somerville may not be a front-woman for a band on any sort of permanent basis but in no way does that diminish her necessity to be appreciated.

Amanda has performed with the best as well as creates her own music. She's released 4 solo cds and has a project called Kiske/Somerville with Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske. She even covered for Epica in their time of need when Simone Simons was ill and toured with the band taking center stage - and doing a fantastic job of it too (I should know, I was there).

Draeden's Axe of the Month: The Black Halo

This installment of Axe of the Month is going to be a bit lacking as far as specifics are concerned but my excitement is higher for this guitar more than any other.

Kamelot guitar-god Thomas Youngblood announced recently that he just finished with the creative process in the production of his first signature guitar.

Thomas has been playing and sponsored by ESP for quite some time and finally they came to their senses to go from Thomas just being a player of their instruments to becoming a bonafide representative of who this company is and the product they put out there.

Kamelot Announce 2011 North American Tour. Without Khan. He does Say Hi Though

Second times a charm right? As some of you may recall we spent alot of time wailing and gnashing our teeth about what appeared to be the collapse of Kamelot following the release of Poetry for the Poisoned. Roy Khan's mysterious ailments and the attempt to bring in a last second vocalist then European tours that did not include their frontman yet again so Fabio from Rhapsody of Fire took over. Well the boys are going to make a go as promised of a tour in North America starting in August. Still without Roy Khan. Here is the release announcement from Kamelot's site.

In the ongoing Kamelot campaign for their newest release, “Poetry for the Poisoned”, we are extremely pleased to announce that Kamelot have confirmed a full North American Tour!

The long awaited North American Tour, to support the Billboard Charting Epic “Poetry for the Poisoned” (Peaking @ number 74 in the US on Billboard’s Top 200!), has been solidified. Along for the ride, are folk/power metalers Alestorm, who are happy to bring their brand of “Pirate Infused Metal” to the Kamelot Legions. Also, aboard are Canada’s ferocious Blackguard and The Agonist.

This time though Roy Khan did release a statement on his condition.

“Hello All! I am here in Norway still recovering from what seems to have been a severe burnout syndrome. I am getting better but still under medical care. My priorities at the moment are my health & family. My future endeavors in Kamelot and music in general are being evaluated, however at this time my focus is on getting back on my feet and spending time with family and friends. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes!” - Roy Khan.

Fabio Leone of Rhapsody of Fire will continue to front the band on this tour. Tour dates and some words after the jump.

Draeden's Succubus Showcase: Simone Simons

How else can I start off this tribute to the incredibly gorgeous and talented women of Metal than to spotlight the most beautiful voice in the world: Simone Simons of Epica.

Simone has been melting the coldest of hearts longer than Epica has been melting faces, I'm sure. Her voice is like none other and she commands the stage and all of our attention like a queen from her throne.

With the control of a seasoned veteran she can soothe you with a soft spoken lull or she can whip you into a frenzy with the power of a hurricane. She can melt your heart with the sweetest words or take you into despair with melancholy steeped with the pain of heartache that you'd swear came from the freshest of wounds.

She has the ability to implant emotion of any sort, comforting or violent, and you feel it all; buried within the expertly crafted music that Epica creates.

Simone is obviously doubly blessed with both the voice of an Angel and the beauty of a timeless starlet who's goddess-like visage will always be remembered and adored.

Simone is a classic beauty, natural and honest in her living, breathing perfection. Her angelic features are known far and wide and the voice contained within can be found all over the Metal community: not only with her band Epica but guest vocalist with Kamelot, Aryeon and Sons of Seasons.

One of her many guest appearances with Florida power metal band Kamelot is this ironic ballad; the irony being that it's called Incubus (part 1 of the epic song Poetry for the Poisoned) which, if I had to guess the song was not only written for her to sing but that she was a bit of the inspiration behind it for she is a beauty that mostly men (and some women) would gladly trade their lives for if only for a moment in her arms.

Here are some more favourites for you from Simone with Epica and more:

Here's "Cry For The Moon" from their CD/DVD We Will Take You With Us



My fav Epica song; Chasing the Dragon from their release, The Divine Conspiracy.



Here's one with Aryeon, Web of Lies, from his album 01011001.



One of her many, and more recent Kamelot guest vocals, Simone joins the Florida boys for two parts in this four part masterpiece Poetry for the Poisoned parts 1-4.



Last but not least, the Renaissance-ish looking video Solitary Ground.



Want to know more about Simone, here's Epica's Official Site!

Here's Simone's personal site, though it doesn't look like it's been updates in a while.

So there you have it, my first Showcase. Simone has always been a woman of beauty and grace, talent and humility, sex appeal and sweetness. If you take anything from this post, take the music: though she's undoubtedly beautiful, it's her voice that drew me to her in the first place. Check out Epica and the many guest appearances and enjoy all that her amazing voice has to offer.

Keep your eyes open for our next edition, somewhere in February.

Until then - Enjoy!












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Confessions of a Kamelot Fan

So I wanted to do a post and after racking my brain I thought I'd go with a subject near and dear to my heart. Kamelot.



I've been a huge fan of Kamelot for years now (thanks again Rob). I have just about every album put out (the Khan stuff) and quite a few other collectibles. Hell, I even have them tattooed on me. You could say I'm a pretty big fan. So here is a fan's thoughts on the past year with Kamelot.

It's been pretty up and down as far as I'm concerned. Starting the year off to learn that they would indeed be coming back to the US to tour their upcoming album and one of those stops would be in San Francisco, close enough for me to attend; which is totally sweet. I bought tickets as soon as they were on sale.

Then, some months later, they announce the title of their upcoming cd "Poetry for the Poisoned". Sounds amazing. Soon after we get bits and pieces of the new tracks and clips for the first single "The Great Pandemonium". Sick.

They're touring Europe like crazy and as the new cd is released it causes a massive surge of impatience. This cd is spectacular and I couldn't wait to see and hear these songs performed live. (for my review of the cd, check it out here).

So the new cd is released and it's fantastic and the tour is fast approaching. Excitement levels are high and impatience is getting worse and worse. Low and behold a monkey-wrench is thrown into the mix: Khan is sick and they're going to have a replacement vocalist. WTF????

This isn't the first time I've had to deal with a situation like this: the first time I saw Epica their lead vocalist and all around Goddess, Simone Simmons had a staph infection and wasn't able to perform. In her place long time friend and collaborator Amanda Sommerville would take lead vocals. I went to the show anyways because I've never seen Epica before; it was a really good show. I can't say it was the full Epica experience but I enjoyed it.

Come to think about it, even though I've seen them three or four times now it wasn't til the last one which I guess you could say was the full Epica incarnation. The second time, guitarist Ad Sluijter quit and was replaced by Isaac Delahaye and Keyboardist Coen Janssen was getting married, so they had Kamelot's resident ivory tickler Oliver Palotai cover. This last one I went to in December was the first full appearance of the band for me.

Back to the subject at hand though. Even though I've gone through this before I do have to say that it never fully felt right not having such a distinct voice singing their songs. Amanda was great and has an amazing set of pipes but you only truly want to hear Simone singing those songs. I can honestly say I couldn't imagine or want anyone else to sing those spectacular Kamelot songs; it would be a crime against awesome.

Some good news and some bad news. Kamelot decides quickly after announcing the stand in vocalist that they're not going to have him cover for Khan after all, the bad news is they're postponing the tour and have no idea when they'll pick it up.

I'm obviously conflicted. I really wanted to see Kamelot again but I'm happy I'm not going to hear some second best vocalist butchering their music, because let's be honest here: Khan is one of a kind and arguably one of the greatest vocalists out there today.

As far as their website, Myspace and Facebook is concerned things are pretty quiet. There's an occasional blurb here and there about "Poetry for the Poisoned" being number one in this country or that country and they're going to be hosting this music video show or that radio show but nothing about Khan's health. I have to admit I was scared there was something seriously wrong though I could never vocalize it. Especially after the bout that Behemoth front-man Nergal was facing with leukemia I was proper shitting myself.

As time goes on they get more and more active on the press front though they still have no word on Khan: then it comes. An interview with Guitar God Thomas Youngblood on some Greek metal show or blog or whatnot and they do the unthinkable and ask about Khan's health. He mentions, very cryptically i might add, that Khan was suffering from "burnout" and needed to take some time. Thank the gods he's not dying. Not to be selfish but what about the tour? Are you coming back to North America soon? Nothing.

Thomas does a few more interviews, and what I find suspicious is that Thomas is basically the only band member talking about it or anything at all. He basically gives the same story to the other media sites: Khan is suffering from burnout or something to that effect. And so we wait.

Some time later it comes, the announcement we've all been waiting for: Kamelot is going to tour . . . . Europe????? WTF?????

So there it is for the world to see Kamelot is gearing up for Pandemonium over Europe or something like that and another and entirely different artist is going to take Khan's spot on the tour: as if ANYONE could replace Khan?! They also mention that though we don't have dates yet, they will be coming back to the US in 2011 but without Khan it seems?

So, my friends, here I suppose is the crux of the matter. Why do they feel it's OK to have so many fans who worship them and the music they make and they don't have the decency to be honest with us? Is it like at old saying "it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission"? Do you not trust us to understand how it feels to be overwhelmed and the need to take a step back; even from something you love?

Kamelot doesn't have to worry about losing fans regardless. I'm going to be there and support them and the individual pieces that make the whole of the band but I really wish you guys could have had the respect for us that we do for you: be honest. Tell us what's wrong and let us be there to support you. You don't have to treat us like an ignorant child.

I'll still be there, tattoo proudly displayed and singing along to every song with fists and devil horns in the air no matter who is on that stage, but I'm always going to have that thought in the back of my mind that you'll disappoint me again someday: though not with your music. Never with your music. Maybe with the way you so easily cast us aside and tour other parts of the world because you make your money in Europe and not here.

Sometimes though, it's more important than the money, to get on that stage and do for us what you said you were going to do. We're there for you, so be there for us.





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Kamelot desperate to make money without Khhhaaaannn!

This is getting ridiculous already. The good news is Roy Khan is apparently not showing favoritism to Europe by not finishing the tour there as well as I previously thought. The bad news is that Kamelot is going to go ahead and tour with Rhapsody of Fire vocalist Fabio Lione. Now apparently a U.S. Tour is being scheduled for August. Almost a year after it was supposed to happen here in the first place.So the question is will he be ready to go then? There still has been no concrete answer to what the fuck is afflicting Mr. Khantatat. Here is the official statement after the jump.

Unfortunately, we have been informed that, due to continuing medical and
personal issues, [vocalist] Roy Khan [full name: Roy Sætre Khantatat] will not be able to finish the remaining touring in support of [KAMELOT's latest album] 'Poetry For The Poisoned'. However, we are pleased to announce that metal icon Fabio Lione (RHAPSODY OF FIRE) will be joining the tour and handling the lead vocal duties. There will also be guest vocal appearances throughout the tour by Simone Simons (EPICA), Tommy Karevik (SEVENTH WONDER), and many more surprise guests throughout this very special and rare tour.

All that tells me is that Roy is not touring and to make up for the lack of touring revenue they called a few friends in to come tour with them to offset this guy singing for them.



At this point we're starting to hit Anthrax levels with lead singer drama. I would not be surprised in the least that after the tour cycle is over for Poetry for the Poisoned if Roy Kan leaves the band. Go fucking be mysterious in the Norwegian mountains when you don't have responsbility to your fans,dude. Or at least have the common decency to fill us in on what the hell is going on? Hmmm?

Kamelot released a Christmas tune. Who knew?

So way back in 1998 during the Siege Perilous sessions Kamelot recorded an instrumental cover of We Three Kings. But it didn't see the light of day except as a bonus track until their first live cd 'Expedition' was released. Why a Christmas tune is on there I have no clue. Since I don't own either albums it's no wonder this went under my radar until I was looking up metal related Christmas tunes.If anybody else knew this congratulations you're a nerd. So enjoy this cover of We Three Kings by Kamelot in the ongoing attempt to be festive here.

Disastrous year for concerts continues

Yet another band has fallen victim to the dreaded "mysterious serious" illness that has afflicted a prominent member. This time it's Kamelot. It was reported last week that Roy Khan at the last moment had to fly back to Norway to be treated for something serious enough to not be able to tour with the band in North America. So the band members were able to commision Michael Eriksen from Circus Maximus to fill in. On second thought.
This morning according to the offical webpage Kamelot has decided to postpone the tour until whatever hath befallen Roy Khan has passed and they can actually tour again. My thoughts on this after the jump.


First of all, get well soon Roy,hopefully whatever you've got isn't life threatening and you'll be back out there soon.

The tickets to this show with Leaves Eyes were actually on sale for months and I hadn't gotten around to picking mine up yet because my finance being they way they are. But after hearing the announcement of a possible replacement singer I didn't really want to go through the hassle of stretching the pocketbook for transportation and merchandise for both bands just to go through another situation like with Epica a couple of years ago. Plus it was going to be a struggle to make the Nevermore show 4 days prior anyway.

Again best wishes go out to Roy though because this year has been horrible for the metal community as it is. Hopefully when they come back out to tour it will be with support as good as Leaves Eyes was going to be.

Real Time Review: Poetry for the Poisoned.

Kamelot is back. Here is my real-time, song by song review of their new CD; Poetry For the Poisoned. I hope it's good.

Ok, so except for The Great Pandemoneom, I haven’t heard any of these songs before until this review, and as I go song by song, will be my first experience with them. I’m really hoping for a great album. Black Halo was perfection and Ghost Opera was really great as well, I hope this one can keep up. I’ve read here and there that this is a really dark album. We’ll see.


1. The Great Pandemoneom - Their first release with an amazing and stunningly beautiful video. If this is any hint of how this album is going to be, I am going to be a very, very happy man. Off the get go, it reminds me a LOT of Rule the World off of Ghost Opera. I love the spoken word verses, which is a pleasant departure from what they've put out before. Björn "Speed" Strid guests on this song with guttural vocals complimenting Khan’s operatic voice like what was done by Shaggrath on March of Mephisto on Black Halo.
10 out of 10)

2. If Tomorrow Came - Speed!!!! Wow - that intro killed. Khan's voice just gets better and better. I love the contrast here with the super fast rockin’ intro to the mellow vocals with the double bass coming and going. This track like the first does not disappoint.
9 out of 10

3. Dear Editor - interesting "scene". They do that once and a while. I would prefer to see than hear. Trippy whatever it is. Just an interlude to the next song I guess.

4. The Zodiac - crazy song. This is the second time I’m hearing this song. The first time I didn't understand what was going on because I wasn't looking at the iPod and thought this was all dear editor. Now that I know it's about a "serial killer" type it makes complete sense. It's a good song. Not as great ad the first two but um sure this will grow on me the more I listen. First impression though. This song has guest vocals from Jon Oliva (Savatage). I’m not a fan enough to have recognized his voice.
6 out of 10

5. Hunter's Season - nice intro. Back to an upbeat cadence here. Great song. Great lyrics. Khan's voice is just beautiful. I really, really like this song. It just screams Kamelot. They do this so well.
9 out of 10

6. House on a Hill - Wow. Stunning intro. Ooh. Simone Simmons (of Epica) is back again, voices complimenting Khan as only hers can. I actually think I love her vocals more on Kamelot songs than I do on Epica’s music. She sounds fantastic as usual. I hope to hear some nice harmonizing from them. Either way this song is stellar. I think you get the video to this song with the cd/DVD combo. I hope so because this song is just brilliant. Some nice Spanish guitar at the end. Fantastic.
10 out of 10

7. Necropolis - strong start here. You can really heat Casey beating the hell out of those drums. Lyrics and vocals are amazing again. I have nothing to complain about at all. Solid track. Thomas' solo is fucking incredible. This is a definite head banging fist pumping track. Me likey.
9 out of 10

8. My Train of Thoughts - another interlude here. Here we go. Very theatrical track here. Double bass is back. Good solid song. I have no complaints. Kind of one of those sing from the top of the mountains nspirational songs here. Really good.
8 out of 10

9. Seal of Woven Years - nice opening. Another fast paced track. Wait, it's mellower again. I hear someone singing with Kahn on this one. Interesting vocals. Very out there track. So far the song most unlike the others. Good song.
7 out of 10

10. Part 1: Incubus - love the orchestration. Vocals are soooo good. Crazy little break in there. Sounds like a fucked up carnival or something. Now it's rocking again. Nocturnal intercourse? Yes please.
8 out of 10

11. Part 2: So Long - oh yeah. Here we go The female vocals are so beautiful. Simone Simmons and Amanda Sommerville singing here. Fucking amazing. With all of them working off each other here, it’s just stunning. I think this is my fav so far. Just epic.
10 out of 10

12. Part 3: Dissection - rawk!!!! I need to go back and listen to all these songs in order without stopping. Simone and Amanda again. This shit is just fried gold. I can't say enough how awesome these tracks are without sounding repetitive.
10 out of 10

13. Once upon a Time - what can I say. This is signature Kamelot. Also
the first track to remind me of their older work. Like "Farewell" or
something.
9 out of 10

So, there you have it. I've only heard this once and that was distracted with writing as I go. I'm going to have to start over and give it a go without distractions. It's right up there with Black Halo ( my personal fav ). Not saying Its their best yet. I'll give that a few listens first but I can say that this is as close to perfection as you can get. Not every song is a 10 but the whole package is just fucking brilliant. I especially LOVE Poetry for the Poisoned in its entirety, I can't say enough how epic it is.

So, for the whole album I give it a 9.9 out of 10 (for now). I'm sure that number will go up the more I listen to this cd.. I HIGHLY recommend getting it when it comes out.

Kamelot's Khan looks Krazy

So the new video for the track 'Pandemonium' is out and it's a very dark and at times evil considering the style of music they play. It takes a page from the last time a video like this was done for 'March of Mephisto' and ramps it up a notch. I think there is a bit of a disconnect as the song isn't nearly as evil as the imagery being portrayed. Roy Khan is made up to look like Shagrath from the Mephisto video even though Kamelot is far from black metal.

Check out the new kooky krazy Kamelot video after the jump and let me know what you think. Poetry for the Poisoned is due out September 14th.

Blessing has become a curse

I live in a town of 100,000 people smack in the middle between Sacramento and San Francisco. Normally that's a good thing because if a show is anywhere on either side and I have the cash I can go. In that I feel pretty fortunate. September is going to change all of that though. In the span of a week there is going to be three concerts I want to see and all of them are in San Francisco.

September 24th at Thee Parkside


Swallow the Sun is one of the opening acts. I've developed a fandom for this groups music as it is a fusion of Opeth and Katatonia. So to see them open for Katatonia who've I missed out on twice already would be fantastic.This show is why I'm ranting because I just found out about it.

September 26th at Slims


I'm not caring too much about Mutiny Within or the other bands but Nevermore is easily one of my favorite bands of recent years. I'm already committed to going to this show.

September 29th at Slims


I'm already committed to go to this show though I don't have tickets yet for reasons I'll get into. I love Leaves Eyes and Kamelots music so this is a must see.I just hope tickets are still available when I can get the cash together.

Why all of this sucks after the jump.

I'm currently under a Chapter 13 because like so many other home owners I was faced with foreclosure and had to do something to stay off the streets with a wife and two kids. So I have to budget my money every month which does not allow for much of anything else outside of the realm of necessities.
Not to mention three concerts in a week in San Francisco. I don't like driving in the city once much less going three times in the space of a week.On top of all of this is the rescheduled American carnage show with Testament, Slayer, and Megadeth on the 1st because the show I was to see at Cow Palace is on my son's birthday.I just don't have the money it would take to get tickets, gas money,BART money, and shirts and Cd's.
I think the crux of it is this. When the fuck is someone in America with the capital going to put on a festival like they do at Sonisphere or Wacken? I would gladly budget myself to go to one show with all of these bands together under one roof. And I'm not talking fucking Ozzfest or Mayhemfest either. I'm talking a festival that includes many of the European bands under it not the "core" or scene kid bullshit that we have out here.

It's just frustrating as hell and if I wasn't in such a financial bind it wouldn't be such a big deal.I'm just so tired of not being able to do the things I want to do. It's my fault for liking so many bands I guess. Word of advice....get all of this stuff out of your system before you get married and have kids. Because once you do your priorities will change exponentially. The realization that you have to grow up sucks.

Kamelot finally releases Poetry info...

I am sooooooo excited. Kamelot's website finally released info on their new CD. We now have a track listing and a release date, as well as the goodies you get when you order the special editions.

Here's all the info, straight from the Horses Mouth.





Kamelot will be releasing their new album on earMUSIC/V2 Music, the album will be titled "Poetry For The Poisoned" and is available on September 13th.

The official pre-order is now open for Kamelot’s newest masterpiece, “Poetry For The Poisoned” ! you can check out Amazon.com for details.

There are 3 versions of this release, as well as a Limited Edition T-shirt/CD package.

Track list is as followed:

1. The Great Pandemonium
2. If Tomorrow Came
3. Dear Editor
4. The Zodiac
5. Hunter’s Season
6. House On A Hill
7. Necropolis
8. My Train Of Thoughts
9. Seal Of Woven Years
-Poetry For The Poisoned-
10. PT I Incubus
11. PT II So Long
12. PT III All Is Over
13. PT IV Dissection
14. Once Upon A Time

All pre-orders contain the same track listing but the bonus combo comes in Digipak packaging. Includes a bonus DVD which includes: Kamelot Video “The Great Pandemonium”. Exclusive and In Depth Interviews with each Kamelot member. Kamelot “Pick and Play” for the song “The Great Pandemonium”. Kamelot “Poetry for the Poisoned “ Background Images. Exclusive video footage from Norway Rock Festival 2010. Bonus Song “House on a Hill”(uncut version).


**** I should have added this.. here's a link where you can see and hear a snippet of the new stuff....

Allow myself to introduce myself...

Here is my first attempt at blogging. I'm sure, down the road, as I get more and more involved with this blog-site, the posting's will look better and better. I wish I could say the same thing about the content, but that's something I can't promise..

Heavy Metal is one of the most amazing and creative genres of music out there, and I'm honoured that Mr. Liz has asked me to share my thoughts about it and the people and bands that make that music. I've been a fan of TDM (That Devil Music) for a long time, and it's going to sound kinda cheesy, but I really do get a lot of great info from here, so it's great to have the ability to share with you all anything that happens to come to my ears.

Just to give you guys an idea of what I'm into, even though I'm a fan of SO many bands and musicians, I've decided to post a couple of my fav's for you.

Rock on!