During their 25 years, AVANTASIA has previously released nine successful records, including the two most recent superb “A Paranormal Evening With The Moonflower Society” (2022) and “Moonglow” (2019). The latter completely stormed the charts in Europe, Asia and the US. Here, at home in Germany, it reached first place. The group has played worldwide, sold-out arena tours and headline shows at all the biggest Metal festivals. The tenth and new material “Here Be Dragons” was written and composed entirely by singer, musician and songwriter Tobias “Tobi” Sammet (EDGUY). The album was produced and recorded by Sammet and the band’s guitarist Sascha Paeth (EDGUY, RHAPSODY OF FIRE, KAMELOT, among others). The production was also mixed by Paeth and mastered by Michael Rodenberg. Tobias is an incredibly talented songwriter, who has a huge imagination and many ideas. We are treated to a wonderful soundscape for both old and new fans. It sounds familiar, while at the same time it is fresh and exciting. The sound is, as usual, a candy bag of Heavy, Symphonic, Progressive and Power Metal, as well as Hard Rock, Metal Opera and Rock Musical.
The welcoming opening number “Creepshow” sounds scary for a few seconds, then it becomes happy Hard Rock with a catchy chorus and a wonderful guitar solo. The following title track “Here Be Dragons” together with GEOFF TATE (solo, SWEET OBLIVION, ex-QUEENSRŸCHE) is a masterpiece and makes me lose my breath with delight already in the beginning, when the singing takes a pause and then increases. Both Tobi and Geoff impress with strength, intensity and dynamics. The music is powerful. The drum beats are fast, but soft. The fantastic guitar playing leads into a twin guitar solo with a keyboard seasoning, which gives a nice and lovely result. Drums and bass give an extra kick all the way to the end of the piece.
In “The Moorlands At Twilight” (feat. Michael Kiske, HELLOWEEN), I almost lose my breath because it goes so fast, even the guitar solo. But it doesn’t just rush on. There is still a dynamic here that captures the listener. Another work that gallops away in a Speed Metal style, so that you almost get out of breath, is “Unleash The Kraken”. However, the material contains some twists and turns, slows down in the verses and is filled with power. Another Heavy Metal song with fast, energetic drum beats comes towards the end of the record, in the form of “Against The Wind”. Tobias Sammet alternates the vocals with Kenny Leckremo (H.E.A.T). In true AVANTASIA style, the piece, just like most other tracks, has a fantastic melody and a magnificent arrangement. The guitar playing is excellent. I love the lyrics, especially the phrase “And if you don’t like what I do, then it’s not made for you”.
Tommy Karevik (KAMELOT) has a very good voice, which can switch between rough and powerful to gentle, bright and clear tones. Together with Sammet, “The Witch” becomes an excellent number. Several of the songs, just like the experience I get from listening to the entire disc, are feel-good music. One of them is the fantastic “Phantasmagoria” where the frontman sings together with RONNIE ATKINS (solo, PRETTY MAIDS, NORDIC UNION). A lovely feeling spreads through my body every time I hear it.
Details and variations are found a little bit everywhere, such as in “Avalon”, where Tobias sings together with Metal singer ADRIENNE COWAN. During the middle section, a lovely cinematic feeling spreads, followed by a guitar solo. Then, towards the end of the piece, the sound leans towards Folk Music. It becomes a nice end of the album with the wonderful song “Everybody’s Here Until The End”. Tobi performs it together with Roy Khan (ex-KAMELOT). Roy has a good voice and sings heartfelt. The track has a warm, uplifting atmosphere and would also be suitable as a closing number at a concert.
This spring, the band will embark on an extensive arena tour across Europe. Their biggest and most epic production ever is promised. You can see them live in Germany on March 14th in Hamburg, March 20th in Berlin, March 21st in Bamberg, March 22nd in Bochum, March 28th in Stuttgart, April 4th in Munich, April 5th in Frankfurt and April 6th in Cologne.
Tobias Sammet’s fantastic songwriting blossoms into a firework. Whether he has written the songs with who will sing them in mind, I don’t know, but Tobias has at least chosen the perfect vocalists for each track. We find brilliant vocal contributions from all participants, both from Tobi and all guest artists. AVANTASIA’s “Here Be Dragons” is an impressively strong material, filled with magic, that will climb high on many charts. Sammet has done it again – created a masterpiece! (Anna)
Bewertung:
10 / 10
Anzahl der Songs: 10
Spielzeit: 50:11 min
Label: Napalm Records
Veröffentlichungstermin: 28.02.2025
