earMUSIC, the international rock label of the Hamburg-based entertainment group Edel, has announced the signing of American/Norwegian melodic metallers KAMELOT. The band's new studio album, Poetry For The Poisoned, will be released in Europe on September 3rd.

Kamelot is one of metal's most unique, influential and prestigious acts to come along in decades. The group's reputation among fans and media alike is marked by enthusiasm as well as esteem, with each of their eight studio albums to date surpassing its predecessor in terms of songwriting, production and commercial results. As one of the most difficult-to-categorize artists on the metal scene, Kamelot is ready to release its most insightful and ambitious album to date, Poetry For The Poisoned.

Throughout the recent years, Kamelot's releases have achieved cult status around the world, and Poetry For The Poisoned will "once again raise the bar for others to follow," according to a press release. "The new studio album blends their trademark Kamelot sound with new elements and a creation of musical art that will set a new standard in the genre."

Poetry For The Poisoned was mostly written in the remote woods of Norway to the final songwriting sessions in a remote region of Germany. The compositions take the listener through many emotions and dynamics that touch the soul and the mind.

"I think this album is by far our most diverse, fusing new ideas and elements along with the traditional Kamelot sound and style that we have established over the years," states Kamelot guitarist Thomas Youngblood.

Recordings took place in the familiar Gate Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany with producers Sascha Paeth and Miro. Additional tracking also took place in Tampa, Florida as well as various studios in Sweden, Greece and the US.

Poetry For The Poisoned features guest appearances by Simone Simons (EPICA), Gus G. (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIREWIND), Björn "Speed" Strid (SOILWORK) and Jon Oliva (SAVATAGE, JON OLIVA'S PAIN). The artwork was created by many great artists, including Seth Siro Anton, Natalie Shau and Michal Loranc.

"Poetry For The Poisoned is a mix of progressive elements, modern rock, dark arts and also power metal," states Youngblood. "It comes at a time where many people around the world are searching for something to grab on to spiritually, including myself. I recently lost my mother and to be honest it was very hard on me. So there are some melancholy moods reflected on this album."

Frontman Roy Khan assures that Poetry For The Poisoned will both please the band's existing following and expose the universe of Kamelot to a whole range of new fans. "Poetry For The Poisoned is our longest and toughest production so far, but when I hear the result I know it was well worth the struggle," he says.

Max Vaccaro, director of the earMUSIC label, commented: "If there is one thing that is absolutely clear with Kamelot, it's that the band has a unique vision of metal and they consider anything they do as the 'next step' to something bigger and better, constantly adamant to reach new ambitious artistic targets. We're happy about the fact that they have chosen earMUSIC as the partner to expand their audience with this new wonderful album."

Poetry For The Poisoned will also be available as a limited edition hard-cover digipak CD with a bonus DVD, LP and limited collector's edition featuring a bonus 45" vinyl with two rare songs only available on this strictly limited format, personally signed by the band.

Kamelot recently tapped Swedish director Owe Lingvall of Village Road Films for the video shoot and production of the song 'The Great Pandemonium'. The track, which was performed on the band's recently completed European tour, will appear on Poetry For The Poisoned. Other song titles set to appear on the effort include 'House On A Hill' and 'Hunters Season', the latter of which was also performed on the band's recently completed European headlining tour.

Kamelot recently inked a deal with Marquee/Avalon Records for the Japanese release of its next album. The plans for the North American release will be announced in the near future.

Kamelot recently updated their 2010 European festival schedule with three new shows (**). It is now as follows:

July

3 - Helsinki, Finland - Tuska Festival

5/6 - Trondheim, Norway - Blæst **

8 - Kvinesdal, Norway - Norway Rock Festival **
10 - Söderhamn, Sweden - Rockweekend Festival
11 - Tolmin, Slovenia - Magic Circle Festival
17 - Hengelo, Holland - Zwarte Cross Festival **

August

6 - Wacken, Germany - Wacken Open Air
7 - Calvao, Portugal - Vagos Open Air
13 - Sibiu, Romania - Artmania Festival
14 - Obudai Island, Hungary - Sziget Festival

Kamelot have also announced dates in South American and Mexico in April 2011 as part of their ongoing World Pandemonium Tour. The dates include:

April

7 - Santiago De Chile, Chile - Teatro Caupolican
8 - Buenos Aires, Argentia - Teatro Flores
9 - Sao Paulo, Brazil - Victoria Hall
12 - Bogota, Columbia - Downtown Majestic
14 - Mexico City, Mexico - Teatro Metropolitan
15 - Chihuahua, Mexico - Chihuahua Arena