Metal Reviews

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Good album, I like it. Black Orchid, Savior in the Clockwork and Dweller in a Dream are highlights for me here. I was slightly disappointed with The Great Mystery as I expected full blown epic closer and instead we got a 10 minute ballad. But nevermind, both ballads are allright.
And Sleepwalking, Chris, really??? Awful, just awful track, compared to this one, poppy Lost In Space sounds amazing. Is it the pressure from the label or something else, I don't know. But I do know it sucks.
On the whole I think it does not reach the quality level of The Scarecrow or The Wicked Symphony, highlights from those two records are undoubtedly better than anything presented here.
So enjoyable 8/10 from me. Cheers.

Didn't know Tobias had a new Avantasia album out. I've got to keep up with this stuff.

Really good album but not quite as impressive without the likes of Jorn Lande and Russell Allen.

I can't stand Edguy or Avantasia when they play pop or hard rock, I only like the power metal kind present on The Metal Opera part I and II and old school Edguy. I listened to Sleepwalking on Youtube (they made a video for it) and I wanted to staple my ears shut.

Is the album worth checking out anyway?

If you didn't like The Scarecrow trilogy, definitely not.

Well I do enjoy a couple of songs at least. Stargazer, Promised Land, The Scarecrow are all excellent ones. I thought The Scarecrow (album) was pretty solid overall. The Wicked Symphony (album) was pretty bad though.

OK you checked the WORST track compared to what you are looking for, listen to the tracks I've listed as fast instead.

Just my 2 cents

Will do, sir.

Chris, i've been following metal reviews for so many years, and from all the reviewers you are the one that is almost my musical mirror.

Dont you think 88 is a little bit underrated?

Its a 97 for me, almost at the same level as metal opera and scarecrow.

Hi,

To tell you the truth it was difficult to quote. At first listens my intention was 95-97 / 100... but with subsequent listens and also while listening other really strong release in parallels, I decided this wasn't worth more than 90, and settled to 88 as I think it's a strong enough score. Yes quality wise it's near Metal Opera / Scarecrow but it lacks some punch IMHO.

I very often get pointed out to be too emotional with my quoting and over quoting everything. So it wasn't a simple album to quote. One thing makes me think that I've made the right choice is that since the review I haven't spinned the album once. If it was a true 95-97 in my heart, that wouldn't have happened.

But time will tell, I admit that when I gave Mandrake 89 / 100 I thought it was the right quote, years later I realised that I was off the mark and it really is a 95 / 100 album.

I found Tolkki's Avalon (I should have a review soon) to be a little superior or at the very least on par with Mysteries.

I'm glad we have similar taste. You may want to check out Tolkki's Avalon & Battle Beast new album, the later wipes the floor with everything I've heard this year (Nightwish + Sonata meets AC/DC & UDO), this Avantasia included. Currently running in a loop on my ipod, and unlikely to be pushed any time soon.

Thanks
Chris

Hey,

Thanks for the reply! Well if you haven't spin it again in that time that definetely has to be below a 90 for you. In my case I can't stop listening to it. I think Wicked Symphony and Angel where a bit poor for Tobias and thats maybe the reason why I love this one so much.

I'm giving them a look at the Sonisphere here in Spain next friday, can't wait.

I've heard the single of Tolkkis Avalon and it sounds quite good to me, not bombastic though. Anyway, when you count with those musicians something has to be really wrong to spoil it.

I think Avantasia has opened the way to the Metal Operas as it has proved to be a long term success. So probably we will se them more often.

I'll check the Battle Beast one, thanks for the recommendation!

Just had the opportunity to watch Avantasia last weekend at the spanish Sonisphere...and first of all..omg what an incredible unbelievable sound..I have to say with full sincerity this was the most amazing sound I've ever experienced in a heavy metal show..

They played the last show, just after Iron Maiden, Anthrax and Megadeth and they where so far beyond all of them when talking about sound..im still recovering from that..

It was just pushing the play button..catley, atkins, eric martin and amanda where incredible but I have to say I never heard Tobias that way, and what can I tell about Kiske?

The band was incredible, especially paeth and miro.

I just fully recommend one hundred times to chek out a show!!

Maiden and Anthrax where really good but I have to say the Irons had a very poor sound (for them, of course), and Mustaine has had a recent vocal operation and they are far away from being tuned, I dont know if he is going to be able to sing again properly.

What a weekend!