Label: Napalm Records
Release date: February 28th, 2025
Sweet little upside-down cake; Cares and woes, you’ve got’em; Poor little upside-down cake; Your top is on your bottom; Alas, little upside-down cake; Your troubles never stop; Because, little upside-down cake; Your bottom’s on your top.
Do you remember The Reluctant Dragon? This was my first association when I saw an art cover of Avantasia’s latest release “Here Be Dragons”. Without any attention to offend anybody, especially Rodney Matthews, art cover would more fit to a cartoon or a children’s book. I have to admit, as a die hard fan of Sammet’s work, I am a bit disappointed. But, don’t judge the book by its cover…
Dragons… Very popular theme when it comes to modern culture. In literature, comics, movies, television, animation, video games… And in music. Many metal bands are drawing inspiration from those mythological creatures. While some band names are highly influenced and so obviously inspired by dragons (Dragony, DragonForce, Dragon Warrior for example), others wrote songs and entire albums inspired by magical creatures. The list here will be too long, so let’s skip it…
Since the formation (2000), Avantasia, announced as a metal opera, a supergroup or all star project, was conceived as a project with many guest musicians. From that time until today, creme de la creme of metal, roughly around 30 names, have passed through the band. On its 10th release, Sammet gathered those who have already contributed to the work with their experience on previous albums (Geoff Tate, Michael Kiske, Ronnie Atkins, Bob Catley) and some fresh blood (Adrienne Cowan, Tommy Karevik, Kenny Lackermo, Roy Khan). And, surprise, surprise… Two songs where the mastermind performs solo.
When the first single “Creepshow” was released, the first impression and the logical question or even statement as someone who follows Sammet’s career from the beginning was this fits more to Edguy than Avantasia. Second thought, this is how Bon Jovi would probably sound in 2025 if they didn’t horribly turn to the very strange waters after the “Keep the Faith” album. Catchy repetitive and melodic chorus (Get up, get up, come out!) is an earworm, but no matter how many times I listen to it, the impression is the same. This is Edguy, to be more precise, a clash of “Superheroes” and “Lavatory Love Machine”.
The next single, “TheWitch” brings Tommy Karevik to the story. This is a more modern song that draws a bit of contrast when you compare it to the rest of an album. With choirs that are delivering a darker and dramatic atmosphere, this song might be my personal favorite. As the final single so far, “Against the Wind” feat. Kenny Leckremo, is a typical power metal song. I have to admit, I was sceptical when it comes to cooperation with Kenny Leckremo, but actually, this is the biggest positive surprise when it comes to “Here Be Dragons”.
Title track, the longest one on the album, is a mid tempo song. Geoff Tate, who joined Avantasia on “Ghostlights” in 2016, this time doesn’t convince me at all and did not awaken the dragon inside of me. The song should obviously be a highlight of an album, but somehow it just passes by…
“The Moorland at Twilight There” is a classic power metal song that brings the power to the album. Kiske as expected did a great job, hammond organ, so gently interwoven to the sound, faster drumming and theatrical approach are simply the winning combination. When you engage Kiske, you know there are no mistakes, so this song is not an exception.
“Phantasmagoria” might not be the most anthemic song, but I am always glad to hear Mr Ronnie Atkins and his rough vocals that, besides Kiske’s, are simply perfectly fitting with Sammet’s phantasm. the master knows his game.
“Bring on the Night” is an homage to late Tony Clarkin and as an homage it had to be a ballad. Losing a family member, a friend, a role model, whoever, leaves a huge scar on our lives. People are dealing with loss in different ways, and some have the privilege to write, compose, dedicate their work to beloved ones on a higher level, so Sammet did in this song. Naturally, Bob Catley joined Sammet in paying homage to the founding guitarist and only songwriter of Magnum.
The boogie rhythm draws you into “Unleash the Kreken”. Leave pop, leave rock, leave 80ise behind, heavy/power metal is what the fans expect from Avantasia and this is something the guys do the best. Finally, this is the song that will make you headbang.
Although Adrienne Cowan has participated on Avantasia tours since 2018 as a back-up vocalist, this is her first appearance on Avantasia’s albums. She will lead you through the world of Avalon with her beautiful vocals and somehow it is natural that this song, from many aspects, included symphonic elements.
Are you still there? You have to be, because… “Everybody’s Here Until the End”. Power ballad featuring Rhoy Khan closes the album. Khan is one of those singers you would always recognize because of uniqueness not just when we are talking about the colour of the voice, but his overall approach to the music. With the thought of the concert that this song closes with the swaying of the audience, we close the tenth Avantasia chapter.
As the curtain falls, as a conclusion I have to write that this album sounds like it was written in 1980ies. Unfortunately, I can’t say it is my cup of tea, because somehow, the album gives me an impression of already mentioned upside down, warmed up, cake. This is a solid album that needs more turnovers, more surprises, unlike the previous ones there is no song that is instant earworm, except “Creepshow”. It seems like the band stays in their comfort zone. This album is one of those you might not like after the first spin. This album might be the one you will put on the shelf and forget. Maybe you will never buy it. But no matter what, you can’t help but wonder what is next that Sammet will pull out of his hat. And to be honest, I was close to write, we need Edguy more at this point, but I was afraid that Sammet would show me the middle finger. Jokes aside. The truth is that he simply does not care about anybody’s opinion, what he does, he does the best he knows, the best he feels, the best he can and that is his absolute right because he has that luxury. Still.
