Avantasia – Ghostlights
Label: NUCLEAR BLAST
Score 4 / 5
Power metal, concept albums and rock operas are categories in music that have experienced both sheer highs and dubious comedies of errors. Fortunately, Avantasia falls into the former space and does so with assurance. As a monumentally successful creative outlet for German power metal band Edguy‘s front man Tobias Sammet, the project was virtually bookended until the duopoly of the charismatic songwriter Tobias and musical production powerhouse, and award laden engineer Sascha Paeth decided to embark upon further adventures.
Picking up where the previous album The Mystery of Time left off, the latest installment offers a musical accompaniment to the potentially dicey topic of scientific advancement and natural selection versus spirituality and the associated moral hurdles therein. Heady stuff indeed but remarkably, it all comes together and that is not just from bringing the musical vision to fruition but from the slew of reputable guest artists as per the project’s ongoing modus operandi.
Whether it be the poetic piano figures on Let the Storm Descend Upon You and later track Lucifer or the heavy, Eastern tinged vibe of Seduction of Decay with former Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate and the power metal title track that aptly features ex Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske, the album offers plenty of variety for an ever growing fanbase. Other guests include the ever reliable lead guitar enhancements from ex Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick on a few later climactic tracks and the eerily recognisable vocalist Dee Snider of Twisted Sister on The Haunting.
Touring the concept takes logistics of epic proportions given the revolving door of guests as witnessed on prior filmed live recordings so the likelihood of seeing the full show locally is minimal. Regardless, this latest release deserves a wider audience than just the metal community, who should also embrace it. Put aside your preconceptions of what you expect of power metal rock operas and allow Avantasia to take you on another journey that is a rewarding musical experience. Enjoy the ride.