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Product Description
Introduction Avantasia, led by Tobias Sammet (Edguy), has released their first new album in four years. This masterpiece features an all-star lineup including Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids), Michael Kiske (Helloween), Ralph Scheepers (Primal Fear), Geoff Tate (Queensr?che), Bob Catley (Magnum), and Floa Jansen (Nightwish)! Tobias Sammet is the vocalist of the hugely popular German heavy metal band Edguy. Avantasia is his solo project, and at the same time, it's a heavy metal all-star band. While on tour with Edguy, Tobias suddenly thought, "I wish Michael Kiske, Kai Hansen, and Markus Grosskopf would play together again," and decided to create that opportunity himself. That vision culminated in the Avantasia project, resulting in two albums: "The Metal Opera" (2001) and "The Metal Opera Pt. II" (2002). Featuring not only the aforementioned three but also Timo Tolkki, Rob Rock, Bob Catley, and others, these gorgeous albums quickly became a sensation in the heavy metal world. Six years later, they released their third album, "The Scarecrow" (2008), featuring Alice Cooper, Jorn Lande, Eric Singer, and Rudolf Schenker. They also embarked on their first tour, including a headlining gig at Wacken Open Air, and even came to Japan. In April 2010, they simultaneously released two more albums, "The Wicked Symphony" and "Angel of Babylon," which form a trilogy with "The Scarecrow." In 2013, Avantasia released "The Mystery of Time (A Rock Epic)," featuring Ronnie Atkins, Joe Lynn Turner, and even a real orchestra. Since then, they've continued to release masterpieces like "Ghostlights" (2016) and "Moonglow" (2019). Tobias's metal operas have captivated heavy metal fans worldwide. Now, Avantasia is releasing their ninth album. Titled "A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society," Tobias expresses great confidence in the album, stating, "It features the best songs I've ever written, the most emotional vocal performances, and the strongest guest performers. I'm incredibly proud of the finished product." The album was created using the full two years of the pandemic, allowing for meticulous attention to detail. It draws on influences from Dio, Queen, and even A-ha?all the influences Tobias received in his youth. In addition to familiar faces like Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids), Michael Kiske (Helloween), Geoff Tate (Queensr?che), and Bob Catley (Magnum), Tobias is backed by an incredibly impressive lineup of musicians, including Ralph Scheepers (Primal Fear) and Floa Jansen of Nightwish. The result is a masterpiece that far exceeds fans' expectations. It's powerful, epic, and of course, melodic. Avantasia fans are sure to be delighted! [Members] Tobias Sammet (vocals, bass, keyboards) Sascha Peet (guitar, bass) Felix Bohnke (drums) Oliver Hartmann (additional lead guitar, chorus) Michael Rodenberg (keyboards) Herbie Langans (chorus) Ina Morgan (chorus) [Guest Vocalists] Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids) Bob Catley (Magnum) Floa Jansen (Nightwish) Michael Kiske (Helloween) Jorn Lander Eric Martin (MR.BIG) Ralph Scheepers (Primal Fear) Geoff Tate (Queensr?che) [CD Track Listing] 01. Welcome to the Shadows 02. The Wicked Rule the Night (feat. Ralph Scheepers) 03. Kill the Pain Away (feat. 04. The Inmost Right (feat. Michael Kiske) 05. Misplaced Among the Angels (feat. Floa Jansen) 06. I Take the Storm (feat. Jorn Lande) 07. Paper Plane (feat. Ronnie Atkins) 08. The Moonflower Society (feat. Bob Catley) 09. Rhyme and Reason (feat. Eric Martin) 10. Scars (feat. Geoff Tate) 11. Arabesque (feat. Jorn Lande, Michael Kiske) Media Reviews and More Avantasia, led by Tobias Sammet (Edguy), releases their first new album in four years. This masterpiece features an all-star cast including Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids), Michael Kiske (Halloween), Ralph Scheepers (Primal Fear), Geoff Tate (Queensr?che), Bob Catley (Magnum), and Floa Jansen (Nightwish)! (C)RS