Tommy Karevik is the talented and enigmatic lead singer of the band Kamelot. Their creativity knows no bounds as each album delivers dramatic depth with cinematic themes, emotionally charged lyrics, and the eternal struggle of warm light against sinister darkness. The band stands tall at the forefront of the modern symphonic metal genre. Since 1987, they have rallied legions of fans around the world to follow them into the visionary world of their music. Along with his alluring vocals, there are searing guitar solos (Thomas Youngblood), crushing bass lines (Sean Tibbetts), dazzling keyboards (Oliver Palotai), and thundering drums (Alex Landenburg). All of this comes together in an exquisite package where music moves the soul.
During our conversation, it is instantly perceptible that Tommy is centered and in the moment; his presence is compelling and charismatic. In speaking to him, there is no pretense and a profound sense of authenticity. Clearly, he cares about his art on a deeply personal level. In 2023, the band has unleashed The Awakening and it’s a triumph of symphonic, melodic, and power metal styles. They have expertly crafted a heavy onslaught of lush and musically diverse anthems.
Since stepping into the role as vocalist in 2012, he has been on a crusade to express the creative forces in his soul and evolve his abilities as a front man. Across the albums Silverthorn (2012), Haven (2015), and The Shadow Theory (2018) his transition has been nearly seamless. Over his tenure, he as accelerated his metamorphosis as an artist and performer.
Of course, playing to their fans is what they do best. In front of adoring audiences, he effortlessly wields his natural charisma to level-up the fan experience. Alongside the prowess of the band and their music, he’s a natural fit for the dramatic and emotional roller coaster ride that audiences experience in concert.
Growing up outside of Stockholm, Sweden, his upbringing was fueled by athletic endeavors and a love of music. Regarding music, there were many influences but his path to his current role was defined in a single experience. At 12 years old, his mom took him to see “Phantom of the Opera” and the Hand of Fate set him on an incredible journey. Over time, he improved his vocal skills and gained experience writing lyrics. The culmination of this being his former band, Seventh Wonder, played the ProgPower USA festival and Kamelot invited him on stage due to extenuating internal circumstances. Tommy agreed to it and a year and a half later was officially in the band.
His whiskey journey began in Sweden during his time as a fire fighter (a job he maintained for 20 years), and geography played a role in shaping his initial tastes. As he performed, touring with the band exposed him to a wide variety of whiskey to sample and discover. He is currently living in Canada, and experiencing a different range of whiskeys that are continuing to shape his palate.
Professionally, Tommy ranks among the top talent in the world of symphonic metal. His love of whiskey rounds out his persona and makes him relatable as he continues down a familiar road that all whiskey enthusiasts travel.
What are your first memories of whiskey?
When I was working a firefighter in Sweden, there was someone who would come and hang out with us when we were working. He cared about us and enjoyed the vibe around us. It turns out he owned a restaurant and when we ate there, he would serve us in a private room. The food was amazing, and we would get to sample whiskey from time to time. My first dram was Laphroaig 12 or maybe 18, but it was delicious, and I fell in love with peated whiskey at that moment.
Thank you for your service to the community as a first responder. Did you do this job at the same time you were in bands?
Yes, I worked as a full-time firefighter for 20 years. My side job was music and I hustled on nights, weekends, and holidays. It was tough to balance it all, which was tough, especially when it came to touring. However, my boss was amazing, and they really helped me out. I’ve since move to Canada and have focused solely on music.
With your start in whiskey being with peated whiskey, what other flavors have you explored?
In the last couple of years, I’ve enjoyed quite a bit of bourbon, because I have a bit of a sweet tooth. Also, the palate of flavors with bourbon present so many different variations. It’s a little vanilla, and sometimes fresh and fruity… just like my personality (laughs). I’m kidding, but that’s why I have enjoyed bourbon more, lately.
Do you have a whiskey that has currently captured your attention?
I am very simple. If I taste something I like, then I’ll continue to buy it. For me, it’s sipping whiskey that has a flavor of vanilla with a hint of sweetness. Sometimes, I find that adding a drop of water really makes the flavors pop and that is nice. Other times, I’ll mix it with cola or ginger ale. At the moment, Crown Royal Reserve is something I’m enjoying.
Our motto is to enjoy the whiskey you like just how you like it. I applaud your sensible approach. With as much time that you’ve put in on the road, I’m sure you have plenty of stories to tell. Can you share anything related to whiskey and adventures on tour?
When I am on tour, I prefer not to drink because it’s a way of taking care of my voice. I need to make sure we can play and give 100% every night for the fans. However, I have a ritual after the final show of the tour. I usually step away for a long shower and bring whiskey with me. Sometimes it’s Jim Beam or Jack Daniels, depending on the tour rider. Maybe I’ll mix it with cola, or I’ll have it neat. It depends on my mood.
In that long shower with my whiskey, I celebrate the sweet feeling of victory after being done with a tough commitment. It’s a victorious feeling and it feels good to celebrate with my beverage of choice.
Let’s talk a little but about the band the music of Kamelot. You will be on a US tour in continued support of the 2023 release of “The Awakening”. Can you tell us about it?
We start in late April and go through May. We will spend that month playing for our fans, but it’s also a journey for us. It’s fun, rewarding, and we love it… but you sleep like a baby when you get back.
You have a ferocious fan base, and they love to show their support. Speaking of which, the reception of the new album has been quite positive. Can you tell me about the process that the band uses to come up with ideas and then record the album?
We demo tracks and ideas when we are at home, but then we will meet up in smaller groups. For example, Thomas will go to Oliver, I will go to Sasha (Paeth) our long-time producer. With the internet today, we can work in different places. Although it would be interesting for us to all come together to make a record.
Events of recent years basically forced us to work independently, and we took more time with the record. It gave us an opportunity to review our work and we came up with a strong album. Normally, you tour… make a new record… tour… make a new record. This time, we didn’t have the need to continue that momentum, or the pressure to produce on short turnaround.
It was good to have a breather, reassess, and reevaluate. We thought about playing these songs live from the beginning and so they show up well in our live set. There are so many decisions that go into making an album, and we are happy with the outcome this time around.
I must agree that there is something extra in this record. Everything is just a bit tighter, the music is cinematic, and it comes together so well.
Thank you. With this one, I was a little more involved with the writing and offered more demos than past records. I was writing more than usual and all of that turned into some cool songs. In my time with the band, I’ve worked with Sasha, Oliver, and Thomas more and more. I’ve learned so much and evolved as a writer. I came from a progressive metal band into Kamelot and it takes time to get adjusted to the mood of our music. That might be what you’re picking up on.
The hallmark of Kamelot is the epic sound of the music from the band and your ability to convey emotional gravity in your vocals. Depending on the type of song it is, you can sense either light or darkness quite effectively. There are so many complex layers to the music.
I’ve always thought of myself as a storyteller, and I need to be able to portray emotion effectively. If I hear music without emotion, it’s just not music. To me, it is most important for me to sing so that the listener feels the emotion. Otherwise, it’s not good to me.
Your legions of fans can’t be wrong. That is all the validation you need that you’re doing something right.
Does the band have plans for the remainder of 2024? Will there be new music in 2025?
We will be playing several festivals and then we are planning a second European tour for “The Awakening”. That will likely be in September and October.
Regarding new music, we haven’t discussed exactly when we will be getting together. It is about time for us to start those discussions. So, we will make plans in the next couple of months on how we will get it done. I’m looking forward to writing the next chapter.
We all look forward to the next album and the forthcoming tour dates!
Wrapping things up, it is our tradition at the Whiskey Network to ask our guests the same final 5 questions, also known as the Mashbill: Whiskey Network Wants to Know Your Recipe
Question 1: What was the last whiskey, bourbon, or scotch in your glass?
It was Johnny Walker Blue Label.
Question 2: Do you prefer to drink your whiskey from a specific type of glass?
I have my grandfather’s glass and it’s tied to his memory. He was a high-ranking military officer in Sweden and this glass has his emblem on it. It’s a cherished item for me.
Question 3: Do you have a Unicorn bottle?
At this point, I haven’t yet discovered enough about rare whiskey. This is something I need to explore more. For now, I’d like to find a Pappy Van Winkle, or a Blanton’s Gold. Once I learn more, I can make adjustments.
Question 4: I’m looking for a gift for a friend. My budget is around $50 to $75. What would you recommend I buy?
I would recommend Widow Jane, as I am also enjoying that bourbon. In addition, one could consider Crown Royal Reserve.
Question 5: What is your favorite toast?
It’s a Swedish toast that is sung like a song. It’s called “Helan Går” and it goes like this:
Helan går
Sjung hopp faderallan lallan lej
Helan går
Sjung hopp faderallan lej
Och den som inte helan tar*
Han heller inte halvan får
Helan går
(Drink)
Sjung hopp faderallan lej
Thank you for the private performance of the toast!
On behalf of Whiskey Network Magazine, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We look forward to hearing more about your music and ongoing whiskey journey soon!
Thank you!
Tommy Karevik is a welcome addition to the Whiskey Network Family. His powerful vocals play a critical part of the winning formula that places Kamelot at the top of their genre and deep in the hearts and minds of their fans.
Cheers!
