01. Ghost In The
Moon
02. Book Of
Shallows
03. Moonglow
04. The Raven
Child
05. Starlight
06. Invincible
07. Alchemy
08. The Piper At
The Gates Of Dawn
09. Lavender
10. Requiem For
A Dream
11. Maniac (Michael Sembello cover)
12. Heart (Bonus
Track)
Avantasia is one of those bands that I'd heard of a long time ago but never checked out. I decided to have a listen to this new album, as after listening to lots of Magnum recently, I felt in the right mood for this genre and embarked on the magical musical journey that is Moonglow.
Masterminded by Edguy front-man Tobias Sammet, Avantasia is a Metal Opera project, featuring a host of special guests, and each record has its own concept. According to the band, the story of Moonglow "follows a nocturnal creature struggling to cope with the reality of boldness and beauty and ends up resorting to the darkness of the moonglow to hide itself from the world".
Masterminded by Edguy front-man Tobias Sammet, Avantasia is a Metal Opera project, featuring a host of special guests, and each record has its own concept. According to the band, the story of Moonglow "follows a nocturnal creature struggling to cope with the reality of boldness and beauty and ends up resorting to the darkness of the moonglow to hide itself from the world".
From the Tim Burton-esque album cover, you know your ears are going to be in for an epic fantasy adventure from the start. Opener Ghost In The Moon is an epic song that builds and builds as it combines the arts of music and story-telling flawlessly.
Book of Shallows is an amazing Metal song which features Blind Guardian's Hansi Kürsch. It treads the ground between Iron Maiden and Power Metal that is familiar ground for both Hansi and Tobias. Kreator's Mille Petrozza gets stuck in with some vocals as does half of Scandinavia. This song, like most of the record, oozes with perfectly selected special guests, all adding their own character and injecting some real magic into the music.
Moonglow is a catchy single which features Candice Night from Blackmore's Night, and the track I imagine would most likely get some radio play, unlike the 11-minute epic The Raven Child. The latter is simply huge and an incredible musical achievement. It's mind-blowingly good.
Other favourites include Alchemy which features ex-Queensrÿche singer Geoff Tate who sounds better than he has in years, and the cover version of Michael Sembello's Maniac which is pure gold.
Moonglow is an enchanting masterpiece of an album, combining fantasy, story-telling, Power Metal, and everything epic that one could wish for. It does take a few listens to really appreciate its depth, and the effort reaps wonderful rewards.
Moonglow is an enchanting masterpiece of an album, combining fantasy, story-telling, Power Metal, and everything epic that one could wish for. It does take a few listens to really appreciate its depth, and the effort reaps wonderful rewards.
Bought this album because of your review. I'd just like to say Thank You !!.
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