The latest release from symphonic metal veterans Kamelot is Dark Asylum. The concept album features guest appearances from Tobias Sammet (Edguy), Clementine Delauney (Visions Of Atlantis, Exit Eden) and others. Founding guitarist Thomas Youngblood fills us in on the new record and numerous other topics.
Chad Bowar: Has the band’s songwriting process remained consistent over the decades, or has it evolved over the years?
Thomas Youngblood: It’s definitely evolved. The core of Kamelot has always been writing strong melodies and creating songs that take listeners on a journey, but the way we get there has changed. Technology makes it easier to share ideas from different parts of the world, and everyone records high quality demos at home now. At the same time, we’ve learned to trust our instincts more. We don’t write to chase trends. We focus on making music that feels authentic to Kamelot while still pushing ourselves creatively.
You’ve worked with producer Sascha Paeth for a long time. What about the collaboration is so effective?
Sascha understands Kamelot on a very deep level. He’s honest, incredibly creative, and never lets us settle for something that’s just good enough. He knows when to push us and when to let ideas breathe. After working together for so many years there’s a level of trust that allows everyone to be open and experimental. He has been a huge part of helping us shape the sound people associate with Kamelot.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of Dark Asylum?
Probably seeing the concept come to life piece by piece. We had this vision of RavenHill Asylum and this dark Victorian world, and every song added another chapter. Hearing all of the guest musicians, choirs, orchestration, and final mixes come together was a special moment because you realize the story is finally complete. Those are the moments that make months of hard work worthwhile.
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
The biggest challenge was balancing the cinematic concept with memorable songs. It’s easy to get caught up in the story, but every track still has to stand on its own. We wanted the album to feel like one complete experience while making sure each song had its own identity. Finding that balance took time, but I think it made the album much stronger.
What lyrical topics do you cover on this one?
Dark Asylum explores identity, memory, fear, control, and ultimately redemption. The album takes place inside RavenHill Asylum, which is really a metaphor for the struggles we all face internally. It’s less about horror and more about confronting the darker parts of ourselves and finding a way through them. By the end of the story there’s hope, even after everything the main character experiences.
You have a North American tour coming up. Where haven’t you played live that you’d still like to get to?
There are still quite a few places on the list. We’d love to do more shows in South America, return to parts of Asia, and hopefully visit countries we’ve never played before like China. Every time we reach a new audience it’s rewarding because you realize the music has traveled much farther than you ever imagined.
With so much material, how difficult is it to come up with a setlist, and does it change from show to show on a tour?
It’s one of the hardest parts of touring. We have fourteen albums now, so no matter what you choose, someone will always have another favorite they wanted to hear. We try to balance the classics with newer material and keep the show flowing naturally. We make adjustments during the tour depending on how songs are connecting with audiences, so the setlist can definitely evolve from night to night.
How was the video shoot for “Ashen World?”
It was a lot of fun because it really captured the atmosphere of the album. The location had this eerie, cinematic quality that fit the story perfectly. There were some long days, but everyone involved believed in the vision, and I think that comes across in the final video. It feels like stepping into the world of Dark Asylum.
Do you enjoy filming videos, or are they a necessary evil for promotion?
A little bit of both. They’re definitely hard work, and a music video day is usually much longer than people realize. But when there’s a strong concept and a talented director, it becomes another creative outlet. It’s a chance to expand the world of the album visually instead of just performing the songs.
Speaking of promotion, it has changed a lot since you started. Do you prefer the old days where there was more mystique around a new album, or the current social media driven way with a lot of transparency and interaction?
There are positives to both. I do miss some of the mystery that surrounded new releases years ago because fans experienced everything for the first time together. At the same time, social media allows us to connect directly with people all over the world in a way that wasn’t possible before. The key is finding a balance. You want to share enough to bring fans along for the journey without giving away every surprise before the album is released.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my son play hockey, traveling, and getting out on the golf course whenever I have the chance. I also enjoy movies, especially psychological thrillers and classic films, which have definitely influenced some of the atmosphere in Kamelot over the years.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
We’re excited for everyone to hear Dark Asylum when it’s released on August 28. We put everything we had into this album, and we can’t wait to bring these songs to the stage on our North American tour. We hope to see everyone out on the road, and thank you to all of the fans who have supported Kamelot throughout the years. We truly couldn’t do this without you.
(interview published August 27, 2026)
Watch Kamelot – “Ashen World” Video
