Symphonic metallers KAMELOT have returned to the Steamhammer/SPV fold for a worldwide deal, excluding Japan (the band recently signed with King Records for Japan).

The group surrounding guitarist and composer Thomas Youngblood is currently working on the drum recordings with renowned sound engineer Jim Morris at the Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida, before work on the album is due to be completed at Wolfsburg’s Gate studios under the direction of producer Sascha Paeth (EDGUY, AVANTASIA, RHAPSODY).

The title of Kamelot’s current release will be announced at the end of June, together with the name of their new vocalist. However, according to Youngblood, one thing is certain: “Our fans can really look forward to our new record, because it represents Kamelot in every way!”

Youngblood on the style and content of the concept album: “The new songs sound more symphonic and melodic than our last two studio recordings. The material brings to mind albums such as Karma (2001) and The Black Halo (2005). In addition, this will be the best production that Kamelot have ever delivered. Because while other acts tend to opt for low-budget productions due to the difficult market situation, we have gone the opposite way: the new album will be a real statement, in terms of our compositions as well as in terms of our sound.”

The eagerly awaited album has been scheduled for release on September 24th (Germany: September 21st; North America: September 25th), and 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.

“We are more than proud to welcome back one of the best metal bands around here at SPV. From 2005 to 2009 we had already the pleasure to work very successfully with Thomas Youngblood & Co, which we will continue and increase with the new masterpiece coming in September 2012”, says Olly Hahn (A&R; SPV/Steamhammer).

And Thomas Youngblood is obviously happy with the resumption of this extremely successful cooperation: “Our new album marks another step and a new chapter for Kamelot and our amazing fans! We are very pleased to be working again with the entire SPV team on this very exciting release.” Andreas Rennmann of Brinkmann & Partner adds: "I´m absolutely proud to welcome Kamelot back at SPV. We all believe in the fantastic history of the band and are absolutely sure that this upcoming release will be one of the most successful albums!"

KMI Entertainment and First Row Talent have announced the final dates for Kamelot's North American Tour 2012. The band will headline four very special shows:

September

10 - State Theater - St Petersburg, SL
14 - Empire - West Springfield, VA
22 - Altar Bar - Pittsburgh, PA

October

4 - Ventura Theater - Ventura, CA

During these rare shows Kamelot will play a full set and fans can expect some very nice surprises. These dates are part of Kamelot's unique North American Tour with Finnish metal band NIGHTWISH, taking place this September/October.

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