Avantasia – The Flying Opera – Around The World In 20 Days
Nuclear Blast
Tobias Sammet, the frontman from German power metal band EDGUY was long ago encouraged by his producer and guitarist friend Sascha Paeth to venture into side project territory. After operatic releases, some more commercial styled efforts and a trilogy of bombastic, concept based power metal came to fruition, it’s not a surprise that many people took notice and latched onto it. The result is that in late 2008, they managed to perform a large headline tour that included one of the nights at Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany, putting them in the league of huge bands such as Iron Maiden and giving them access to various other band members that wished to participate. In short, it all worked out better than had ever been expected. This DVD release, a double release in fact, documents full live performances on one of the discs whilst the other consists of a relevant documentary and some video clips, for the collector fans. It is an impressive live show and throughout it, the humility of the frontman shines through, backed by a tight and well rehearsed live band.
Right from the start, Tobias, pensive and captured on massive screens, leaps into action on Twisted Mind and delivers high vibrato vocals whilst invoking a bit of Geoff Tate and Steven Tyler in both style and look. He possesses a commanding presence and the camera work which captures everything from close ups to crowd sweeps and wide shots, shows just how massive a headlining audience they are playing to and flawlessly so as well. The guitar playing from Sascha and Oliver Hartmann is both flashy and tasteful with a combination of neo classical shred and pure hard rocking, wah drenched, blues influenced metal. Power chords, expressive note choices and sustained tone work well against Tobias as he pushes vocals to deliver some high notes without losing power.
The first four songs are pretty much no holds barred arse kicking, as if to prove a point. Ranging from hard rock to galloping metal, the drumming doesn’t let up and the additional vocalists thus far of Jørn Lande [Jørn] and Andres Matos [ex Angra] contribute harmony parts and trade off verses. A lull ensues with footage from the Masters of Rock in the Czech Republic but only briefly as a ballad gets trotted out and strangely enough, enraptures the crowd to sing along. The choruses get the half time repetition with crowd interaction goings on alongside the self congratulatory notification of DVD filming but then, if getting the crowd enthused requires this activity with a bit of literal flag waving, so be it.
A bit more rip roaring power metal then leads to guest vocalist Bob Catley [Magnum] entering the stage perfectly coiffed and sporting a black coat jacket and leather pants before gesturing to the crowd side on whilst singing. Okay, he’s a good singer but still living the dream of the 80’s only induced some chuckles. Thankfully some kicking guitar solos saved the day. The next three songs really hit with double time power metal, strong hook laden pop and right between the eyes driving hard rock. Shelter from the Rain showcased what this side project could do on full throttle with powering gallops as Tobias found the centre stage fold back wedge to rest on whilst hammering the vocals.
With two already mentioned guest vocalists on elevated ramps behind the drum kit and guitars solos to boot, the single of Lost In Space got an airing complete with self deprecating intro and a damned good chorus whilst Tobias decided to climb up the front of house scaffolding for a mid climb warble. Ah, German comedy. Before the encore, there are at least a few more tracks of power metal glory to be had. The viewer gets some majestic choruses, amusing intros, succinct guitar solos and vocal tradeoffs in sync with concept characters being unleashed. Plus the backing vocalist of Amanda Somerville gives Tobias some serious vocal competition. By the end of all of this, over eighty minutes has passed almost unnoticed given the entertaining nature of the material.
The encore, chock full of blue light and an ominous Egyptian style riff welcomes in The Toy Master with Tobias in what appears to be a mariner’s coat. Guests include singer Kai Hansen and guitarist Henjo Richter from Gamma Ray as they rip through the song at a fluid pace with the latter shredding like a demon. Soon after, the pace changes to almost movie soundtrack feel as arms begin waving and sampled flutes usher in Farewell. It is a moment of musical gravitas with some quick guitar playing and a repeated chorus to end. The full show ends with Sign of the Cross and a medley of The Seven Angels. It is all out pomp metal that ranges from 80’s hard rock to a big European guest stars stage filling moment. Sometimes funny band member intros draw it out even more followed by finishing proceedings with all four guest vocalists adding contributions to the closing song. It is indeed huge but about as subtle as a brick. The majority is very strong.
The second disc documentary film is enlightening as at seventy odd minutes of content, it is not your typical press kit effort. Tobias discusses getting the expedition, as it were, off the ground, divulges doubts as well as strengths and provides background into the mechanics of getting such a conceptual project into the scope of a live arena show. It also delves into stories about the initial core lineup that included Eric Singer [KISS] on drums in both recording and arranging. Further, live rig set ups are shown in various countries with snippets of input from various band and crew members. As for the film clips, well, you’ll probably only watch them once because let’s face it, clips are just promotional items.
Overall, this is a great dual disc DVD package that has live footage from shows put together and yet it really flows well. The delivery is tight, the performances are very good, guests do their utmost to enhance the material and the backing band is exceptional. If you like power metal with leanings to other styles, this is well worth viewing. Ironically, you have to wonder if Tobias has created a side project that is bigger than his main band. If so, he’s worked hard at making it work and it shows. Quality stuff.
Avantasia Site: http://www.tobiassammet.com/
Riot: http://www.riotact.com.au
Nuclear Blast http://www.nuclearblast.de
Score: Eight stars. 8/10.