Initially slated for a September release, KAMELOT's record label Steamhammer/SPV has confirmed with BW&BK; that the band's new album, entitled Silverthorn, has been pushed back to October. The official release dates are now October 29th for Europe and October 30th for North America. It will hit stores in Germany on October 26th.

The band has also issued the following update:

"The album cover is finalized but will not be revealed until we get closer to the release date. This promo CD cover has been circulating the internet but it is not the main cover."

Kamelot recently recently announced that Swedish vocalist Tommy Karevik, the frontman for SEVENTH WONDER, has been tapped as the band's new singer (replacing Roy Khan).

Karevik recently released the following statement: "I am truly happy to finally get to write these words to you... It is with great respect I look at the things Kamelot has achieved over the years, both in terms of songwriting and when it comes to reaching out to the heart of the listener. Changing a singer is always a big thing for a band and even more so when you had a singer like Roy (Khan). But although I am humble before the task ahead, I am also strongly confident in the new material and in the future to come! I am so honored to now be a part of the family and I can't wait to move into the new era of the band together with the guys. You can rest assured I will give it my all! From this day, a new journey has begun and I am really eager to meet you all along the way to share with you my passion for this music. I believe in this so thank you for believing in me!"

Guitarist Thomas Youngblood issued the following statement regarding the search that brought Karevik to the band: "We had around 800 candidates for the vacant position, among them a number of really renowned musicians, and having to reject them really wasn't easy. We want to thank all the applicants, thank you for your understanding and we wish you all lots of success in the future!"

In their search for a new singer, Thomas Youngblood found YouTube to be an amazing tool: "I listened to a clip of a studio production featuring Tommy and have to confess that his performance really amazed me. His approach to melodies and themes suits Kamelot perfectly, and during our European shows we had plenty of opportunity to find out what a great guy he is."

Tommy first appeared as one of the guest singers on Kamelot's very successful 2011 Pandemonium World Tour. Live footage below:

Kamelot are set to play a number of festivals (among them Wacken Open Air and Bang Your Head) as early as July and August before embarking on a US tour alongside NIGHTWISH in September/October and a major headliner tour of Europe in November 2012. The band will headline four very special shows in the US in September and October, as well as a co-headlining show with SYMPHONY X in Mexico City on September 8th.

Kamelot's complete live itinerary can be found at this location.