AVANTASIA – The Metal Opera [Japan SHM-CD Cardboard Sleeve +1] (2019)
For the first time, the two volumes of Tobias Sammet’s AVANTASIA “The Metal Opera” are being released on high quality SHM-CD in Japan. This “The Metal Opera Part I” includes as bonus track a special version of the song ‘Avantasia’.
For the uninitiated with these 2 Avantasia first albums, “The Metal Opera” actually isn’t operatic but rocking.
Tobias Sammet wanted a more elaborated songwriting than the standard work with his band at the moment (Edguy), so in Avantasia the instrumentation is intricate, with an electric, metallic sound, and the choruses huge, and catchy.
“The Metal Opera” is a truly epic adventure which unfolds itself in a great storytelling.
The story is about Gabriel (Sammet), a novice cleric and his quest to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart Anna, while he starts to lose faith in the catholic church that he is meant to serve.
The album features brilliant, I repeat, brilliant vocals from several of the greatest vocalists in metal, including Michael Kiske of Helloween as Gabriels guide – the druid Vandroiy, Sharon Den Adel of Within Temptation as Anna, Oliver Hartmann as the Pope, and the great Rob Rock (ex-Axel Rudi Pell, Driver, Impellitteri) as Bishop Johann von Bicken, among others.
Also, The Metal Opera has a story that the listener can follow without having to read the lyrics. However it’s fun and entertaining to read the complete story all over the 24-page booklet of this 2019 SHM-CD Japan release – a Limited Edition.
An excellent piece of work you need to hear.
HIGHLY Recommended
Victor Entertainment Japan ~ MICP-30098 【LTD SHM-CD】
A V A N T A S I A 「REISSUE SERIES 」
01 – Prelude
02 – Reach Out for the Light
03 – Serpents in Paradise
04 – Malleus Maleficarum
05 – Breaking Away
06 – Farewell
07 – The Glory of Rome
08 – In Nomine Patris
09 – Avantasia
10 – A New Dimension
11 – Inside
12 – Sign of the Cross
13 – The Tower
14 – Avantasia (Edit Version) [Japan Bonus Track]
Tobias Sammet (Edguy) – Keyboards, Bass, Vocals
Henjo Richter (Gamma Ray) – Guitars
Markus Grosskopf (Helloween) – Bass
Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire) – Drums
Vocals;
Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween, Place Vendome, Unisonic)
David DeFeis (Virgin Steele)
Ralf Zdiarstek
Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation)
Rob Rock (ex-Axel Rudi Pell, Driver, Impellitteri)
Oliver Hartmann (ex-At Vance)
Andre Matos (ex-Angra, ex-Viper)
Kai Hansen (ex-Helloween, Gamma Ray, Unisonic)
Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius)
BUY IT !
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/MICP-30098
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