Tobias Sammet about the second single off “Here Be Dragons”:
“’ Against The Wind’ is an anthemic uptempo rocket that contains a lot of what AVANTASIA stands for. What I especially like about the song is the combination of speed and power, along with an uplifting and elating harmonic and melodic approach. It comes over you with sheer force, but it drags you along to a better place, it gives you strength and encourages you to stay true to yourself in adverse wind and raise the middle finger to those who want to keep you from being yourself.
Musically and vocally it’s quite a demanding tune, as you need the full toolkit of a Power Metal singer, but it’s got some loose kind of Journey feeling also in certain places that require a completely different way of feeling the song. So I was looking for a vocal partner who would have Metal skills and quite a range, but also understand the background of singers like Sam Cooke or Steve Perry. And I knew that Kenny Leckremo of H.e.a.t would be able to pull it off. In all modesty: I think we both sound amazing together here. I love this song!”
The song is part of Given to Rock's playlist, New Music. Give it a go!