Avantasia
Formed: 2000
From:
Mainz,
Germany
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Avantasia News
Below is our complete Avantasia news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Displaying records 41 - 60 of 68 1 2 3 4 Last
Avantasia Streaming New Song
An edited version of the track “Dying For An Angel," which is off the upcoming Avantasia album "The Wicked Symphony," is now available for streaming here. "Dying For An Angel" features guest vocals by Klaus Meine of the Scorpions. The song also features Tobias Sammet on vocals & bass, Sascha Paeth on guitars, and Eric Singer (KISS) on drums. The North American street date for Avanatias’s new albums "The Wicked Symphony" (physical release) and "Angel Of Babylon" (digital-only release) is May 4th, 2010.
On the decision to release the next Avanatisia chapter in two separate CDs, Tobias stated: "I have always given my very best, but this new chapter in Avantasia's history too ambitious to be just a regular album. I knew the story would be spread out over two albums when we started working on it in 2006 'cause we had written a real rock opera of over 20 songs even back then. [This] may be the last big epic I will be able to afford, and I want it to be the biggest piece I have worked on so far.”
"The Wicked Symphony" track listing is as follows:
1. The Wicked Symphony
2. Wastelands
3. Scales Of Justice
4. Dying For An Angel
5. Blizzard On A Broken Mirror
6. Runaway Train
7. Crestfallen
8. Forever Is A Long Time
9. Black Wings
10. States Of Matter
11. The Edge
"Angel Of Babylon" track listing is as follows: More...
Bruce Kulick Readies New Album, "BK3"
Frontiers Records has announced the signing of Bruce Kulick for the European release of “BK3,” his third solo album, on January 29, 2010.
Kulick, who first gained notoriety as a member of Meat Loaf's “Bat Out Of Hell” touring band, may be best known for his twelve years (1984-1996) as lead guitarist of KISS, during which time he appeared on nine gold, two platinum and one multi-platinum KISS albums. It is, however, the wealth of experience he has gained in his 13 post-KISS years that shines through on “BK3.”
The album takes listeners for quite a ride over its twelve songs... from the frenetic and anger-fuelled "Fate" (co-written by Kevin Churko, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne), to the philosophical and uplifting "Life." Never one to mind sharing the spotlight with other talented musicians, Kulick invited several guest artists to appear on “BK3”, including Gene Simmons of KISS on the anthemic "Ain't Gonna Die," Doug Fieger (lead vocalist of The Knack) on the soon-to-be pop classic "Dirty Girl," Tobias Sammett (Edguy, Avantasia) and Eric Singer (KISS) on the fierce "I'm The Animal," Nick Simmons (son of Gene) on "Hand of the King", former Union cohort John Corabi on the moody "No Friend Of Mine" and guitar legend Steve Lukather (Toto) on the exciting instrumental "Between The Lines."
"Many albums lack cohesion with different vocalists, but I know that my guitar playing is the glue on BK3," Kulick says. "There was the clear goal of making absolutely the best record that I could put together. I feel like this is my Revenge."
“BK3” includes the following tracks:
Fate
Ain’t Gonna Die (featuring Gene Simmons)
No Friend of Mine (featuring John Corabi)
Hand of the King (featuring Nick Simmons)
I’ll Survive
Dirty Girl (featuring Doug Fieger)
Final Mile
I'm The Animal (featuring Tobias Sammet and Eric Singer)
And I Know
Between The Lines (featuring Steve Lukather)
Life
Skydome (from the BK CD “Audiodog”) - Exclusive Bonus Track for Europe
Bruce plans to take “BK3” to his fans through as many avenues as possible, including live concerts, appearances at KISS Expos and media.
Update On Kiske/Somerville Collaboration
Producer Mat Sinner checked in from the recording sessions of the highly anticipated album featuring vocalist Michael Kiske and American singer Amanda Somerville (Avantasia). "We finished the songwriting for 12 original new songs – no covers .... and a week ago, we’ve started the final recordings! Everything looks cool and the song material is amazing!"
Most of the songs are written by Mat Sinner together with Magnus Karlsson (co-producer & guitarist). More songwriting contributions come from former "After Forever" guitarist Sander Gommans, Amanda Somerville (Arise, A Thousand Suns, Set Afire) and two outstanding symphonic songs written by Mat Sinner with keyboard maestro Jimmy Kresic (End Of The Road, Devil In Her Heart). Some more song titles can be revealed for the moment: "Silence, Don't Walk Away," "Rain," "Nothing Left To Say," "If I Had A Wish," "One Night Burning" and "Second Chance."
"We’re recording in two studios at the moment" says Mat. "Magnus is recording guitars at his own Stuntguitar Studios in Sweden and I’m working at the Audiospezialist Studio in Germany with drummer Martin Schmidt (ex-Atrocity, RMC Band) and keyboarder Jimmy Kresic (Voodoo Circle). After the Primal Fear European Tour, we will start with the vocal and choir recordings and I’m really looking forward to be a part of this progress. This album is a big challenge and it sounds already like something really special for me, in a time when we face a so many releases every month. Sander Gommans will join the team and will add some lead guitars and we’re talking to two more prominent musicians for a guest appearance."
Achim Koehler (Primal Fear, Edguy) was chosen to mix and master the album at Indiscreet Studios for a spring release on Frontiers Records.
Tim "Ripper" Owens To Appear On Avantasia Album
Tim "Ripper" Owens, vocalist of Yngwie Malmsteen's band and former Judas Priest voice, has recently been in the studio to sing his parts for the forthcoming Avantasia album, whose title is yet to be announced.
Tobias Sammet of Avantasia issued the following statement about the colloboration:
"I had this pretty heavy riff monster and I remembered a Judas Priest live-album with 'the new singer' on vocals. I listened again and when I heard him sing 'Metal Gods' and 'Painkiller' I knew that this was the voice I so desperately needed for the song. Tim is a cool guy and a scream machine. He makes his voice spit out the most aggressive high notes I have ever heard, while fully controlling it. I am so proud of the heaviest Metal tune I have written so far, and Tim has turned a good Heavy Metal song into the ultimate Heavy Metal Monster!"
Avantasia Issues Recording Update
Tobias Sammet of Avantasia has issued the following update about Scorpions vocalist Klaus Meine recording guest vocals on an upcoming album:
"We played a couple of shows with the Scorpions here and there and they are not only the biggest and greatest Rock band ever to emerge from Germany, they are also cool Rock-n-Roll people who are aware of what's going on in the world of heavy guitars. Lately we played ....Bulgaria.... together, Edguy and the Scorpions, and I watched their full show from onstage. They kicked serious ass! Rudolf (Schenker, Scorpions) did some cool guitar work on the previous record, and now Klaus is on the forthcoming one. He has done a superb job, he opens his mouth and you immediately hear it's that cutting voice that has sung 'Rock You Like A Hurricane' and 'Blackout'! The track we did together is an anthemic mid-tempo tune, big choir chorus. And I am still speechless thinking of Klaus' performance. He is a real pro and he would still blow away 99% of all us Rock singers with a quarter of his left lung. People, get ready for a monster song!"
Kiss Drummer To Perform On New Avantasia Album
Tobias Sammet of Avantasia has issued the following update about guest appearances on the upcoming album:
"Besides KISS-drummer Eric Singer and Sieges Even's Alex Holzwarth (who also played for Avantasia's first two albums 'The Metal Opera 1 & 2') the third musician can now be announced: Norwegian vocal animal Jorn Lande has been in the studio to sing his parts for the forthcoming Avantasia epic. Lande had already been on last year's Avantasia-chartbreaker 'The Scarecrow'. Pictures from the recording session can be seen in the backstage area, all you have to do is register."
Avantasia Working On New Album
The website of Edguy singer Tobias Sammet's solo project Avantasia has issued the following update about working on a new album:
"I got some GREAT news for you out there:
"A NEW AVANTASIA ALBUM IS EXPECTED TO BE RELEASED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR!!!
"And Tobi also told me to tell you guys: you are fucking AWESOME and he can't wait to see y'all on tour"
Revolution Renaissance Still Seeking Bassist
Ex-Stratovarius main man, Timo Tolkki's new band Revolution Renaissance is still seeking a bassist. Here is the update from the man himself:
"Having almost completed the line up for REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE, we are still looking for bass players. You have to be quick, recordings and tours are awaiting. So please send 2 recently taken photos (one headshot and one fullbody shot) and 3 MP3's of your playing with a short desrciption about yourself. Don't send links, send the material exactly as requested. You can be from anywhere, but Scandinavians have the priority. Good luck! Send the stuff to: rr@timotolkki.com"
As previously reported, Tolkii recenlty revealed the band's vocalist as Gus Monsanto, a 33-year old metal singer from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More...
Archer Confirmed For Sweden Rock Festival
Archer has performed with some of the biggest names in rock including, Heaven and Hell, Heart and Sevendust. The band is looking forward to sharing the stage at the Sweden Rock Festival (www.swedenrock.com) this summer alongside such metal giants as Judas Priest, Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Poison, RATT, Triumph, Saxon, Disturbed and many more as they return to Europe.
The Santa Cruz, CA-based power trio, who won "Best Local Band 2008" in the Metro Santa Cruz Goldies Awards, takes the stage on Saturday, June 7th, opening for some of the biggest names in the metal music genre. The Sweden Rock Festival is held in Norjeboke, in the tiny village of Norje which is situated in Sölvesborg in the western part of southern Sweden.
Archer’s debut album "Doom$day Profit$" is a "genuine tour-de-force, rich with powerful songs imbued with that essential combination of brain-burrowing melodies, ripping riffs, pulsing basslines, tsunami drums and grab-by-the-throat vocals." The band cites influences that include Ozzy and Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica and other legendary names.
Here is the current lineup for the Sweden Rock Fest 2008, which takes place June 4th - 7th: More...
Avantasia Announce More Tour Dates
EDGUY singer Tobias Sammet's solo project AVANTASIA has scheduled the following dates:
June 06 - Rocksound Festival - Huttwil, Switzerland
June 07 - Sweden Rock - Sölvesborg, Sweden
June 10 - Moscow, Russia - DK Gorbunova
June 13 - Tokyo, Japan - Shinagawa Prince Stellar Ball
June 15 - Mexico City, Mexico - Circo Volador
June 18 - Obras - Buenos Aires, Argentina
June 20 - Caupolican - Santiago, Chile
June 22 - Credicard Hall - Sao Paulo, Brazil
July 04 - Castle Festival - Smederevo Fortress, Serbia
July 10 - Masters of Rock - Vizovice, Czech Republic
July 26 - Rockin Field Festival - Italy
Aug. 01 - Wacken Open Air - Wacken, Germany More...
Avantasia Announce South American Tour Dates
EDGUY singer Tobias Sammet's solo project AVANTASIA has scheduled the following dates:
June 06 - Rocksound Festival - Huttwil, Switzerland
June 07 - Sweden Rock - Sölvesborg, Sweden
June 18 - Obras - Buenos Aires, Argentina
June 20 - Caupolican - Santiago, Chile
June 22 - Credicard Hall - Sao Paulo, Brazil
July 04 - Castle Festival - Smederevo Fortress, Serbia
July 10 - Masters of Rock - Vizovice, Czech Republic
July 26 - Rockin Field Festival - Italy
July 31 - Wacken Open Air - Wacken, Germany
Stream Avantasia's New Album Online
Next week, power metal titan Tobias Sammet digitally unveils the latest from AVANTASIA, a masterwork entitled The Scarecrow. The album features contributions from KISS' Eric Singer on drums and vocals, guest vocals from Amanda Somerville, Jorn Lande, the immortal ALICE COOPER, Roy Khan, Oliver Hartmann, Michael Kiske, and Bob Catley, plus guitar work from SCORPIONS axe-slayer Rudolf Schenker. This week, MP3.com is streaming the album in its entirety here.
You can bring Avantasia to your phone with an exclusive 'Lost In Space' ringtone - Text AVANTASIA to 66555 to get a 'Lost In Space Ringtone.
Download and share 'Shelter From The Rain' From Avantasia’s The Scarecrow here.
Before The Dawn Confirmed For Wacken Open Air
Finland's BEFORE THE DAWN is the latest act confirmed for next summer's Wacken Open Air Festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany.
The Wacken Open Air Festival will be headlined by IRON MAIDEN (on July 31st). The current line-up includes: AT THE GATES, AUTUMN, AVANTASIA, AXXIS, BEFORE THE DAWN, CARCASS, CHILDREN OF BODOM, CORVUS CORAX, CREMATORY, DESTRUCTOR, DREAM OF AN OPIUM EATER, ENEMY OF THE SUN, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, EVOCATION, GIRUGÄMESH, GOREROTTED, GORGOROTH, HATEBREED, IRON MAIDEN, KAMELOT, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, KREATOR, KRYPTERIA, LORD BELIAL, LORDI, NIFELHEIM, NIGHTWISH, OBITUARY, AXEL RUDI PELL, POWERWOLF, PRIMORDIAL, SABATON, SALTATIO MORTIS, SONATA ARCTICA, THE BONES, WARBRINGER.
Nuclear Blast Extends Century Family Contract
Founded in Donzdorf, Germany in 1987, ranked #11 in the "Top 20 Rock/Metal Labels" and #41 in the "Top 50 Labels" charts by Hit Quarters in 2007, Nuclear Blast Records has extended its production and distribution deal with The Century Family, Inc. for the United States.
From his office in Germany, Nuclear Blast label owner and President Markus Staiger had this to say about the continued two-year contract renewal:
"We are very thrilled to continue our work with the Century Family. It is great that 2 metal companies can work together so close without any problems and fun to have such professional and nice people in the U.S. working for us! Be sure to expect a great year in 2008 for NUCLEAR BLAST and Century Media. NUCLEAR BLAST will release new titles from MESHUGGAH, DIMMU BORGIR, KATAKLYSM, KORPIKLAANI, THREAT SIGNAL, ALL SHALL PERSIH, DEATH ANGEL, HYPOCRISY, IMMORTAL, and EXODUS, as well as a stunning new album from TESTAMENT and AVANTASIA's third album The Scarecrow (featuring members of KISS, SCORPIONS, MAGNUM, Jorn Lande, and more), along with some IN FLAMES re-releases, too. Also, keep an eye out for our new U.S. signings - they are all young, fresh and brutal new acts with tremendous new albums. Among these is SUCCESS WILL WRITE APOCALYPSE ACROSS THE SKY who play brutal Florida Grind-Death Metal! Big thanks goes to the NB U.S.A. Team, Century Media, and our distributor Caroline/EMI. Special THANKS to our great metal fans!"
Since 2000, Nuclear Blast has maintained U.S. staff and operations in Los Angeles via a successful and long-running production and distribution deal with The Century Family, Inc., parent of Century Media Records. Century Media currently maintains a distribution deal with Caroline/EMI which it manages for Nuclear Blast under the arrangement.
States Century Media CEO Oliver Withoeft:
"Nuclear Blast and Century Media are looking forward to an even closer cooperation in 2008. The new year will prove to be a decisive year for the music industry, and we will continue to be at the forefront of setting trends in Metal. Our customers will be pleased to learn that we will expand our offers beyond the traditional ways of selling music."
2007 has been a year of distinction for Nuclear Blast in both Europe and North America. In addition to hosting a celebratory 20 year anniversary festival in Stuttgart this past October in the presence of over 6,000 metal fans, various 2007 releases made extremely noteworthy entries onto the Billboard charts.
Nightwish Confirmed For Wacken Open Air 2008
Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH have been been confirmed for next year's installment of the Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany. The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
AS I LAY DYING
AT THE GATES
AUTUMN
AVANTASIA
AXXIS
CARCASS
CHILDREN OF BODOM
CREMATORY
DESTRUCTOR
DREAM OF AN OPIUM EATER
EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS
GOREROTTED
GORGOROTH
HATEBREED
IRON MAIDEN
KAMELOT
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
KREATOR
KRYPTERIA
LORD BELIAL
NIGHTWISH
OBITUARY
POWERWOLF
PRIMORDIAL
SABATON
SALTATIO MORTIS
SONATA ARCTICA
THE BONES
Gorgoroth Confirmed For Wacken 2008
The Gaahl-fronted version of the Norwegian black metal band GORGOROTH has been been confirmed for next year's installment of the Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany. The group will be one of the headliners on the event's "Black Stage." The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
AS I LAY DYING
AT THE GATES
AUTUMN
AVANTASIA
AXXIS
CARCASS
CHILDREN OF BODOM
CREMATORY
DESTRUCTOR
DREAM OF AN OPIUM EATER
EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS
GOREROTTED
GORGOROTH
HATEBREED
IRON MAIDEN
KAMELOT
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
KREATOR
KRYPTERIA
LORD BELIAL
OBITUARY
POWERWOLF
PRIMORDIAL
SABATON
SALTATIO MORTIS
SONATA ARCTICA
THE BONES
Edguy Frontman Answers Fans Questions
EDGUY/AVANTASIA mastermind Tobias Sammet's official web site has been updated with the following question-and-answer session:
Q: Your new [AVANTASIA] EPs have entered the top10 of the single charts in various countries, a.o. at #9 in Germany, in Sweden even at #3 and #4. Are you satisfied with everything so far?
Sammet: When the record company told me about the single chart entry, I was overwhelmed. Nobody could have expected this, especially unlike all the other Top10 hits our song wasn't played on radio or TV. It was just the hardcore of my fans who made this possible, and that's what I am really thankful for. On one hand, the most important thing is that I am happy with the material myself but on the other hand, chart positions like that are the icing on the cake. We are the first band on our label Nuclear Blast Records that has a single rocketing into the Top10 upon its release.
Q: I don't know if this has got through to you at all, but there are a few of your older fans that don't like the softer direction especially of the song "Lost In Space". They accuse you of selling out commercially. Any comment on this?
Sammet: That's totally unfair. Every successful artist has to go through this, I guess, especially when you dare to break down a few stylistic barriers here and there. I love the song as it is, and everybody's got the right to like or dislike it. But nobody has the right to come up with accusals of things that are just not true. It is good for our beloved metal to break out of certain schemes, be controversial and take a risk. I don't wanna be a square and boring slave that wants to be loved by everybody and that delivers ten speed metal songs just because someone demands it. I know that especially in Japan my fans would have loved to have ten speed metal songs, even a copy of the first two AVANTASIA albums. But they understand I can't do that, because it would be dishonest and unfair. Maybe I'd get a lot of money for that, but I can not do things just because someone demands anything. "Avantasia 1" and "2" are parts of me, and you will surely hear that on "The Scarecrow". But nevertheless I wanna come up with new elements as well, no matter if I get flak or not! "Lost In Space" is one of two radio-friendly songs that will never be heard on radio, I guess; the rest of the album is heavier stuff. The whole discussion is completely stupid.
Q: So to put your fans at ease we can assure, that you won't become the German Jon Bon Jovi.
Sammet: Haha, it seems like he is the public enemy number one for the young heavy metal generation. I gotta say something: BON JOVI headlined the Monsters Of Rock in Donington 1987, I love his old stuff. But I am Tobias Sammet. An artist with the name Tobias Sammet will be ignored by radio whatever I do. Bon Jovi gets airplay because of his name. If you know how the music biz works you gotta admit that — no matter how radio friendly "Lost In Space" may appear to some fans — the chance to get airplay equals almost zero. Tailoring a song in order to get airplay would be lunatic.
Q: To come to an end with the commerce topic, a last reproach of a few fans: Some reproach you for sell out because you released two EPs prior to the album:
Sammet: Bollocks! The labels need singles in order to get attention for the forthcoming record. I just don't like singles, because I wouldn't wanna buy a CD with one song in three versions. We just had so much additional material, so we did two singles with a lot of bonus stuff. A single is very important to prepare the market for the release of an album but ecconomically they generate a big loss, everybody who knows the business will have to admit that. All you can do is hope that the single enters the charts on a good position, because that will make the retailers order bigger amounts of the real album later on. That's an important thing, the CD market is doing so bad these days, you gotta make sure your album is available out there.
Q: Okay, then we have finally cleared this up. So after "Lost In Space" what do we have to expect from the forthcoming album "The Scarecrow"? The EPs had a lot of variety already, will that variety continue on the album?
Sammet: Absolutely! There will be a lot of elements on the album resembling the first two AVANTASIA albums, but there's also gonna be more variety. There is the highly bombastic title track with a running time of more than eleven minutes, which could doubtlessly be the mature brother of "The Seven Angels". We have heavy groovers like "Twisted Mind" or the eerie "The Toy Master" that has a weird horror touch, thanks to Alice Cooper and his cutting voice. But there'll be also a few singalong rock songs like "Lost In Space" or a modern semi-ballad called "Carry Me Over". I'd say it's basically a bombastic metal album, but I was impudent enough to dare to include uncommon elements here and there, just to make it a bit more exciting. The metal press says that it's the strongest AVANTASIA album so far, that it sounds like AVANTASIA but that it also sounds very fresh, new and mature. Despite a BON JOVI single I can't be that wrong I guess, haha. By the way, wait until people see the second video "Carry Me Over", people who thought "Lost In Space" was commercial will crucify me after that one, haha. But that's my definition of metal: I know that I'll get flak and people wanna kill me for doing certain things, but I do what I like anyway.
Q: What do you think, you'll achieve with this new record? Do you think you will repeat the success you had with "The Metal Opera Part 1 & 2"?
Sammet: Hard to say. Success is a feeling you give to yourself. To me success means to love the record I have recorded, even though the record was way more expensive than I had expected, Haha. Every aspect of the production was top notch, we mixed six weeks, we mastered a whole week, we worked in the best and most expensive studios. I had the chance to work with icons like Alice Cooper and Rudolf Schenker. I am so damn happy with the album and the many beautiful recollections of the recording process. One press guy told me that this could become a milestone in metal history. Well, I am not in the position to judge and I don't know that. All I can do is hope that a lot of other people out there will be very happy with this album as well.
Four More Bands Confirmed For Wacken 2008
PRIMORDIAL, GOREROTTED, POWERWOLF and AUTUMN are the latest bands confirmed for next summer's Wacken Open Air Festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany.
The festival will be headlined next year by IRON MAIDEN. The current line-up includes: AT THE GATES, AUTUMN, AVANTASIA, AXXIS, CARCASS, CHILDREN OF BODOM, CREMATORY, DESTRUCTOR, DREAM OF AN OPIUM EATER, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, GOREROTTED, HATEBREED, IRON MAIDEN, KAMELOT, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, KREATOR, KRYPTERIA, LORD BELIAL, OBITUARY, POWERWOLF, PRIMORDIAL, SABATON, SALTATIO MORTIS, SONATA ARCTICA, THE BONES.
Avantasia Storm Norwegian Charts
AVANTASIA's new song, 'Lost In Space', had made its debut on the Norwegian single charts at #4, officially making it the highest single chart entry in the history of Nuclear Blast Records. Along with entering the Swedish charts at #3 and #4, and in Germany at #9, 'Lost In Space' is the highest single chart entry in the history of Nuclear Blast Records.
Leader Tobias Sammet (EDGUY) comments: "It doesn't really matter if it's a Top10 hit or not, most important is that I am happy with it and most fans seem to enjoy the material too. It seems like there are a lot of people out there who appreciate honest hand made music and I am very thankful for that."
Also, only on iTunes you will find an extended bonus version 'Lost In Space' featuring ex-HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske. This version is available for only 99 cents at iTunes now.
Avantasia Enter German And Swedish Charts
AVANTASIA's "Lost in Space - Part 1" and "Lost in Space - Part 2" EPs have entered the official Swedish chart at position No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. In Germany the CD landed at No. 9 on the Media Control chart. It is the highest single chart entry in the history of Nuclear Blast Records.
Commented AVANTASIA mastermind Tobias Sammet (also of EDGUY): "It doesn't really matter if it's a Top 10 hit or not, most important is that I am happy with it and most fans seem to enjoy the material too. It seems like there are a lot of people out there who appreciate honest hand made music
Apart from the identical title track, both releases feature completely different, exclusive songs plus videos, a poster, studio reports, a "making-of," a slideshow, and loads of enhanced bonus material, each for the price of a CD single.
AVANTASIA will perform at next year's Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany. Also scheduled to appear are IRON MAIDEN (headliners), CHILDREN OF BODOM and KREATOR, among others.
In a recent interview, Sammet described the music on the new AVANTASIA CD as "diversified, pomp metal with some classic rock elements, Classic orchestrated moments and Celtic stuff, a big timeless production and so on and so forth. It's going to consist of many different elements. Bombastic kick-ass music with a lot of heart and depth."
The new AVANTASIA album will be a concept album featuring different singers singing different characters in a story. But the concept itself won't be a sequel to the first two AVANTASIA albums.
AVANTASIA's last release was the two-part epic called "The Metal Opera" (issued in 2001 and 2002), which featured an impressive array of guest vocalists playing the various characters of the opera, including Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN), David DeFeis (VIRGIN STEELE), Sharon Den Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION), Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY), André Matos (ANGRA, SHAAMAN), Timo Tolkki (STRATOVARIUS), Rob Rock (WARRIOR), and others.
