I grew up with Tobias Sammet's music, and I think he's one of the best composers of the new (maybe not anymore) generation. So, I'm here to talk about his latest creation with Avantasia, Here Be Dragons, which was just released. The team behind that is always the same: Tobias Sammet: vocals and all instruments, Sascha Paeth on guitar and keyboards, and Miro Rodenberg on keyboards. You know what? Let's do a track-by-track, as there are lots of guests, as usual.
1) CREEPSHOW
No guest for the first single and opener. It sounds more like the cheesiest EdGuy song possible. Catchy, but it's something that I don't want to hear from Avantasia (despite the very cool video).
2) HERE BE DRAGONS (FEAT. GEOFF TATE)
So, here's one of the main flaws of the album. How many songs do you have in mind when you hear the "Here we go" and the riff after that? As a big Avantasia fan, I see lots of recycled ideas. I'm sure it's not intentional, but how many original songs can Tobias write in his life without quoting himself? It's impossible. Anyway, he was right to say that Geoff Tate in the title track gives something different than usual, very peculiar performance. The song is the longest of the album and has lots of tempo changes, but overall, I find it too long and slightly disconnected, especially toward the end.
3) THE MOORLAND AT TWILIGHT (FEAT. MICHAEL KISKE)
Kiske is present from day one in Avantasia (using the pseudonyms Ernie, kind of funny remembering those times when he didn't want to be associated with heavy metal), so here is another song with his beautiful voice. Of course, it's pure power metal and amazingly performed (great guitar solos too), and overall enjoyable, if you like the combo Sammet/Kiske. But nothing new for sure. Anyway, it's Kiske so it's my Top track #2
4) THE WITCH (FEAT. TOMMY KAREVIK)
Released as a single, this was my favourite among the three released, but, again, it sounds like something already heard before, both verses and chorus. Great performance by Tommy Karevik, who is relatively new in the Avantasia universe.
5) PHANTASMAGORIA (FEAT. RONNIE ATKINS)
Talking of great performances, here is Ronnie Atkins, another who always delivers and who has been in the Avantasia project (both live and studio) for many, many years. Overall, it's an enjoyable song, but it lacks memorability.
6) BRING ON THE NIGHT (FEAT. BOB CATLEY)
Here is another singer always present in Avantasia. If I'm a fan of Micheal Kiske, I can't say the same of Bob Catley (just a personal taste, he is a great composer and singer), and all the songs where he is in it (usually the closing tracks) are never among my favourites. Also, too many keyboards in this one. Don't crucify me; it's just a personal taste- huge respect for Bob Catley, his voice and his career.
7) UNLEASH THE KRAKEN
No guests on this one, with Tobias giving a great performance in this old style tune, punchy and more inspired than the rest, at least to my ears. This one is my favourite on the album, and it brings me back, for some reason, to the Hellfire Club era (EdGuy, of course), one of the best albums written by Tobias, in my opinion. Top Track #1
8) AVALON (FEAT. ADRIENNE COWAN)
I'm a big fan of Adrienne Cowan. Aside from her physical appearance, I believe she is one of the most talented singers of the last decade. She confirms everything in Avalon (listen to her high notes and all the backing vocals; they are absolutely stunning) that reminds me of Farewell in some aspects. Sascha Paeth worked with her already in the band Masters of Ceremony (fantastic debut album with some killer tunes), and he knows how to use her voice magnifically. Top Track #3
9) AGAINST THE WIND (FEAT. KENNY LECKREMO)
Another one that was released as a single, and that reminds me of many songs already written by Tobias. Kenny Leckremo (H.E.A.T.) is a fantastic singer making his debut in the Avantasia project.
Another song that, if it was released 20 years ago, would have been great, but it's already present (in many forms) in the Avantasia discography.
10) EVERYBODY'S HERE UNTIL THE END (FEAT. ROY KAHN)
This time, it is not Bob Catley closing the album, but Roy Kahn (Kamelot). This is the second time he has participated in an Avantasia album. His performance is great, but honestly, I'm not a fan of this kind of song, a sort of mid-tempo/ballad, despite a very inspired solo by Sascha in the second half of the song.
Important note: on the limited edition, you will find "Return to the Opera"; it's a must to read the hilarious lyrics on this one, especially if you follow Tobias on social media. This one would have been a great opener, just to say, Tobias (if you are reading the review) instead of Creepshow.
It's difficult to put a rating on Here Be Dragons, the usual quality album by Avantasia. The guests are top notch and the songs are good, but the con is the fact that lots of ideas are already "let's say not new", if you are an old fan like me, and with no more than one singer per song. Also, I find the album overall a little uneven, especially for a concept album, with a pop opener that seems disconnected from the rest, the longest (title) track right after that, and even the finale, again a little different. Despite all the criticism, Here Be Dragons is good music, and Tobias is still one of my heroes.
Rating 66/100