Once again bringing spellbinding choirs and theatrical symphonic metal elements, the multi-talented mastermind Tobias Sammet returns under the guise of Avantasia with his 10th studio album, Here Be Dragons.
The theatrical presentation begins with the uplifting opener, “Creepshow,” before sweeping into the album’s title track, “Here Be Dragons,” which features the first of eight guest performances. Nothing short of grandiose, this mesmerizing composition showcases none other than Geoff Tate.
Summoning every ounce of power metal, “The Moorlands at Twilight” features Helloween’s Michael Kiske and is simply an unadulterated joy from start to finish, laden with unmatched soundscapes and soaring guitar solos. It perfectly encapsulates the essence of Avantasia.
There is a subtle electro feel to “The Witch,” which carries a rich vocal narrative with well-placed darker elements, complemented beautifully by current Kamelot vocalist Tommy Karevik.
The first time I heard Edguy, I felt that Tobias Sammet’s vocals in places bore a similarity to Bruce Dickinson’s. Now, nearly two and a half decades later, it feels like the clock has turned back as “Phantasmagoria” bursts through, also featuring Pretty Maids vocalist Ronnie Atkins—making it my personal favorite on the album.
A particularly heart-tugging moment comes with Bob Catley’s first recorded appearance post-Magnum, and hearing him on “Bring On the Night” brings a welcome sense of familiarity. I initially thought “Unleash the Kraken” was going to be an almost entirely instrumental interlude—how wrong I was! It turns out to be one of the album’s crowning glories, fully showcasing Sammet’s operatic vision alongside commanding riffs.
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Adrienne Cowan adds a vivid splash of color to “Avalon,” her superb vocals meshing perfectly with Sammet’s to create another powerful dynamic. Meanwhile, H.E.A.T.’s Kenny Leckremo brings his distinct tones to the album’s fastest and most energetic track, “Against the Wind.”
Final track “Everybody’s Here Until the End” is a glorious power ballad through and through—an absolutely perfect choice to close the album. The addition of former Kamelot frontman Roy Khan gives it an extra layer of emotion, while the delicately placed piano parts provide a fitting conclusion to this musical spectacle. By the time it ends, I’m already eager to revisit the journey all over again.
Tobias Sammet states:
This year’s summer festival season has been only the beginning of a new era of Avantasia, an appetizer so to speak. The shows of our own Here Be Dragons tour are going to be the real deal, a trip to a world of wonder where people can forget about everything else in their real lives and join me on the other side. It’s an immersive experience with special effects and a huge production, bigger and better than anything we’ve ever done. And: there is amazing new music in the works; anthemic and epic songs that will fit in seamlessly with our classics and some almost forgotten songs that may make it into the live setlist as well. I can’t wait to unleash our brand new album to the world and take this new stage spectacle to the road. Yes indeed, Avantasia is back!
A fantastical trip around the metal sphere.
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Here Be Dragons is out on February 28th
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