Avantasia

 Today in 2007 Avantasia released the EP Lost in Space (Part 2)

Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate,Germany Symphonic Power Metal

Status:Active

Years active: 2000-2002, 2006-present

Avantasia is a running solo project for Edguy vocalist Tobias Sammet, initially gaining attention for the two-album epic called The Metal Opera. This is precisely what one might expect given the title and Sammet's background -- solid, expertly crafted German melodic speed/power metal with a grandiose and, well, operatic feel. Over the years Sammet has employed virtually every name vocalist to guest on Avantasia albums, including but not limited to David Defeis (Virgin Steele), Sharon Den Adel (Within Temptation), Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray), Andre Matos (Angra/Angra), Timo Tolkki (Stratovarius), Rob Rock (Warrior), and others. It's been said countless times both on these pages and elsewhere: this form of metal is being done to death in Europe, but there are a few bands that deserve recognition above the rest for doing it better, and Avantasia qualifies in that regard.

Nuclear Blast

Tobias Sammet Vocals, Bass

Eric Singer Drums, Vocals

Sascha Paeth Guitars

Guest/Session

Michael "Miro" Rodenberg Keyboards, Orchestration

Jørn Lande Vocals (track 2)

Michael Kiske Vocals (track 2)

Amanda Somerville Vocals (tracks 1, 6)

Henjo Richter Guitars (lead) (tracks 2, 3, 4)

1. Lost in Space 03:52

2. Promised Land 04:51

3. Dancing with Tears in My Eyes (Ultravox cover) 03:53

4. Scary Eyes 03:32

5. In My Defence (Freddie Mercury cover) 03:58

6. Lost in Space (Alive at Gatestudio) 04:36

24:42