Avantasia – Here Be Dragons Review

Avantasia returns with their new album titled Here Be Dragons, following the remarkable success of Moonglow and A Paranormal Evening With The Moonflower Society. The latter showcased a clear modernization of Tobias Sammet’s signature sound, which gained widespread attention. However, with this new release, the band has chosen to return to their roots, offering a collection of songs that demonstrate that Sammet’s inspiration remains an inexhaustible source. As usual, the album features collaborations from talented musicians and vocalists, highlighted by the much-anticipated return of Michael Kiske, as well as the first collaboration with the powerful Adrienne Cowan, leader and vocalist of Seven Spires, who previously served as a backing vocalist during Avantasia’s live shows. Additionally, the album features contributions from two key members of Kamelot: Roy Khan (former vocalist) and Tommy Karevik (current vocalist), who bring their talents to the tracks “Everybody’s Here Until The End” and “The Witch”.

Here Be Dragons is undoubtedly an album that will spark conversation. Its more traditional sound, rooted in the pure essence of Avantasia, departs slightly from the more modern style of their last two albums, which will likely provoke a range of questions and reflections. This is not surprising, as Sammet has a remarkable ability to challenge expectations and reshape his own sound.

The distance between exceptional talent and the ordinary is undeniable, and this is where we must pause and reflect on the skills of this masterful composer, who proves once again that music is an integral part of his being. Additionally, his ability to reference his previous anthems is worthy of admiration, as some of the tracks on this album contain subtle nods that, though invisible at first glance, are easily recognized by more experienced musicians.

With Here Be Dragons, Avantasia opens their range of possibilities once again, shaking the music industry and leaving a lasting impression. This release marks a promising beginning to their collaboration with Napalm Records.

Tracks like “Here Be Dragons”, “Phantasmagoria”, “Unleash The Kraken”, and “Avalon” are set to be key pieces for the upcoming tour, which will bear the same name as the album and promises to be the biggest and most theatrical in Avantasia’s history to date.

Here Be Dragons was released on February 28th via Napalm Records.

Here Be Dragons track listing:

1. Creepshow
2. Here Be Dragons (feat. Geoff Tate)
3. The Moorlands At Twilight (feat. Michael Kiske)
4. The Witch (feat. Tommy Karevik)
5. Phantasmagoria (feat. Ronnie Atkins)
6. Bring On The Night (feat. Bob Catley)
7. Unleash The Kraken
8. Avalon (feat. Adrienne Cowan)
9. Against The Wind (feat. Kenny Leckremo)
10. Everybody’s Here Until The End (feat. Roy Khan)