Since their 1992 conception, Tobias Summet’s German supergroup Avantasia have explored “a world beyond human imagination.“ A brief hiatus from 2002 to 2006 revitalized the group’s star power and creative energy, allowing it to progress toward its fullest potential. Here Be Dragons allows audiences to escape to a fully-fledged fantasy adventure, with theatrics bold enough to tackle a Broadway stage. Sure, rock operas have existed forever; however, Avantasia’s take on them is special, like a shiny gold coin a novel hero finds along their path to glory—narrated by guitar riffs and buttery-smooth solos.
Metalheads of all shapes and sizes will find something they like in Here Be Dragons. Avantasia’s eclectic mix of reference points, like stylistic references to 1980s power metal to the storytelling skills of Meatloaf, pique interest. They have the stylistic prowess of Iron Maiden, carrying out epics in rock format effortlessly…and boy, is it hard! As iconic as they are, it still feels as though Avantasia are a hidden gem. Their technical ability combined with imaginative qualities set them far ahead of industry standards. Regardless of niche, they represent the gold standard.
Summet is a legend in his own right. However, his vocal quality measures up to that of Axl Rose or David Lee Roth. He similarly evokes a piercing screech; this range is showcased immediately in “Creepshow,” which may or may not reference the comic book or 1980s TV show. Either way, gang vocals back up his emotional performance perfectly. A sleek solo rounds out the mix, getting audiences ready for the magic they are about to experience. This is also one of two songs in the LP that don’t have any featured vocals. You’re in for a real treat if “Creepshow” is your introduction to Avantasia. The record begins with a show-stopper, and it only goes up from there. After “Creepshow,” the choice is yours whether or not you can handle the rest of the ride.
I’ll admit, the record shines like diamonds throughout, exuberant with energy. However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing; instead, the transition from ‘Creepshow’ to ‘Here Be Dragons (ft. Geoff Tate)’ is seamless, maintaining the album’s theatrical energy. This is critical, as the title track provides crucial context for the record’s storyline. With Avantasia, listeners need to pay attention. It’s as if your favorite fantasy novel came to life; nuances and plot twists abound. Guest appearances from artists like Geoff Tate add depth, as his vocal style creates texture when placed alongside Summet’s. Powerful as it is, Summet’s signature screech sometimes needs some cooling down, and Tate’s accomplishes this goal. Sonically, it reads similarly to Van Halen at its best. The slow-grooving boots & cats drum beat compliments distorted guitar riffs and a crescendoed lead vocal, which eventually meets with Tate’s feature.
Relentless in its grandeur, Here Be Dragons never stops moving. “The Moorlands At Twilight (ft. Michael Kiske)” The build into the chorus, with the effervescent gang vocal and controlled vibrato that transcends into “no man, nor beast” encapsulates the otherworldly qualities of the LP’s ethos. The healthy belts insinuate plenty more Avantasia LPs to come. The nuanced lyrics also imply introspection, asking, “How did I fall from grace?” indicating a human approach to storytelling. The characters may be larger-than-life, but they’re still people.
Avantasia are rock opera masters. From the anthemic scene-building of “The Witch (ft. Tommy Karevik)” to the subtler nuances in “Phantomsmagoria (ft. Ronnie Atkins), the group transmutes each note into crystal-clear worlds. Few metal bands achieve what Avantasia does: crafting soundscapes so vivid that listeners can see the story unfold in their mind’s eye. Technical prowess meets unrestrained emotion in every song; there is little critique to be had for such a well-rounded body of work. Vocal stylings from Summet feature his signature flair, marrying a hint of David Lee Roth’s edge occasionally. This allows Avantasia’s sound to remain familiar yet exciting to diehard fans and newcomers alike.
The drama and urgency intensify as the record closes. “Unleash The Kracken” is arguably the strongest track on the LP. Its creative composition alone is worthy of awards, chart-topping success, and sold-out tours. The dramatic voice proclaiming ‘Unleash the Kracken’ at the end feels straight out of an ‘80s fantasy epic, reinforcing Avantasia’s nostalgic yet forward-thinking approach. Still, Avantasia cling to their relevance by strategically implementing nostalgia throughout. Nostalgic ‘80s flourishes abound in this big-hair power metal rock opera, yet Avantasia ensure they never feel overdone.
Avantasia continues to push boundaries, creating many more five-star records for years to come.
