Updated: 05/03/01

Interview conducted just after the release of The Fourth Legacy and is with guitarist Thomas Youngblood.

Jupiter: Where are you guys from?

Thomas: We’re based out of Florida.

Jupiter: How did you decide on two producers?

Thomas: Well, Sascha Paeth and Miro kind of like, they’re like a team, they don’t work apart from each other. So, they’re more like a production team.

Jupiter: What kind of guitars are you going out with, to use live?

Thomas: Live? I use Jackson guitars, I have a endorsement deal with them in the US. On the records, though, we use a lot of guitars, we use Les Pauls, Strats. We never had the luxury of using all this equipment.

Jupiter: Who are some of your favorite influences?

Thomas: Well, growing up, I was always influenced initially by groups like Rush, Yes. But then I started to play music and bands like Iron Maiden, QueensRyche influenced my own personal style of playing. I like guitarists like Michael Shenker, Malmsteen.

Jupiter: What are your plans for the next record?

Thomas: We plan to be in the studio by November. It’ll take about 3 months to record. We’re just now working on different ideas. Kind of in the premature stage right now. We really have to focus on a record that will be a worthy successor to this one. I think it’ll be a challenge. We’re very proud of this one and the response has been incredible.

Jupiter: That’s wonderful. I love the first track. Will there be more things like that?

Thomas: Every record we always try to do different things. I think we have a good blend of the Kamelot sound and we’re adding a bit more elements of classical . . . it’s the perfect formula for what we want to do.

Jupiter: Where are some of the favorites places you performed?

Thomas: I would say Spain and Greece were our favorite so far, because the fans there are totally passionate about music and what we’re doing. To play in front of those types of audiences is so inspirational for us. Southern parts of Europe, our most fanatical fans are in those regions. We played to of all different types of people, but it’s always great to have such incredible feedback from the audience, and it really pushes you to the limit of your own capabilities.

Jupiter: Thanks for the interview, Thomas. Best of luck to you in the future.

Kamelot's latest album is called Karma, out now from Noise/Sanctuary Records!