AVANTASIA – The Mystery Of Time (2013)

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German musician Tobias Sammet fronts the humorous, high energy heavy metal band Edguy, but since 2000 the man has been developing a side project: AVANTASIA, which has unveiled his latest opus “The Mystery Of Time” to be released next week.

There’s not many occasions where a side project not only has become equally, if not more popular than the main project but the material has grown superior. That is what has happened with Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia. While Edguy is straightforward metal, Avantasia is much more grandiose exploring melodious symphonic elements and the material is epic in scale.

I liked the previous works from this project, but “The Mystery Of Time” is just sensational, as this time Sammet goes for more a (Melodic) Hard Rock territory.

For this new effort he has called truly legendary singers from the genre; Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween, Unisonic), Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids), Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Rainbow), Biff Byford (Saxon), Eric Martin (MR. BIG) and Bob Catley (Magnum). Also there’s guitar parts from Oliver Hartmann, Arjen Anthony Lucassen and Bruce Kulick.

The remarkable thing in this recording is that these stellar guests not only provide their ‘big names’ to the front sticker, they are truly part of the final product delivering jaw dropping performances.

Again the one and only Michael Kiske steals the spotlight, as his contribution is outstanding especially on the spectacular up-tempo “Where Clock Hands Freeze”. The chorus is glorious and gorgeous as his voice is majestic and soaring. This track is a truly magical moment and a crowning achievement in Avantasia’s catalogue.

“Black Orchid” shows that Biff Byfford is much more versatile than a simply metal veteran, while Joe Lynn Turner go to the extreme of his lungs on the feverous “The Watchmakers’ Dream”.

Legendary Pretty Maids singer Ronnie Atkins throaty growl is the perfect foil for Sammet’s crystal clear voice on the first single “Invoke the Machine”. One of the best singers over the last 30 years, Atkins makes the most of his appearance and has one of the best performances on the record. Another quick paced track that features some jaw dropping guitar work from Oliver Hartmann and Sascha Paeth punctuates one of Avantasia’s stronger tracks.

The tender moments of “Sleepwalking” and “What’s Left of Me” are breathtaking. The latter shows Eric Martin showcasing his incredible vocal range and a beautiful power ballad is born. Another magnificent chorus rings out and the two vocalists out duel each other in a beautiful arrangement.

“Sleepwalking” showcases unknown female vocalist Cloudy Yang stealing the spotlight as we are treated to a compassionate vocal performance that could very well be on modern radio.

And for the end we have the epic ten-minute closer “The Great Mystery”, a monster composition with an awesome mixture of rhythms, atmospheres, riffs, memorable choruses, a symphonic orchestra behind and the great Bob Catley from Magnum sharing leads with Turner, Byford and Tobias.

“The Mystery of Time” is another incredibly strong release by Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia, displaying his creativity at its peak and with a band sounding tightest than ever.

Production is excellent and all singers / musicians invited are much more than mere ‘guests’, they really gives this album a true identity.

I would love to see Sammet concentrate full time on this band. He has already said there’s “The Mystery Of Time Part II” in the making and I anxiously await its release.

Strongly Recommended.

01. Spectres (feat. Joe Lynn Turner)

02. The Watchmakers’ Dream (feat. Joe Lynn Turner)

03. Black Orchid (feat. Biff Byford)

04. Where Clock Hands Freeze (feat. Michael Kiske)

05. Sleepwalking (feat. Cloudy Yang)

06. Savior In The Clockwork (feat. Turner, Byford, Kiske)

07. Invoke The Machine (feat. Ronnie Atkins)

08. What’s Left Of Me (feat. Eric Martin)

09. Dweller In A Dream (feat. Michael Kiske)

10. The Great Mystery (feat. Turner, Byford & Bob Catley)

Tobias Sammet – vocals, bass guitar

Sascha Paeth – guitars, producer

Miro – keyboards

Russell Gilbrook – drums

Guest Guitars:

Bruce Kulick (on tracks 3, 6, 10)

Oliver Hartmann (on tracks 4, 7, 9)

Arjen Anthony Lucassen (on track 2)

Guest Vocalists:

Joe Lynn Turner (on tracks 1, 2, 6, 10)

Michael Kiske (Unisonic) (on tracks 4, 6, 9)

Biff Byford (Saxon) (on tracks 3, 6, 10)

Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids) (on track 7)

Eric Martin (Mr. Big) (on track 8)

Bob Catley (Magnum) (on track 10)

Cloudy Yang (on track 5)

BUY IT !

www.amazon.co.uk/Mystery-Time-Avantasia/dp/B00AQA94M4