Elyna Kahn
Avantasia‘s tenth studio album, Here Be Dragons, is here! Featuring 10 tracks, artwork by Rodney Matthews, and bombastic production by the renowned Sascha Paeth, this album retains the band’s signature essence: masterful choruses, Symphonic Metal elements, and creative sounds. Following its release, the band will embark on a highly anticipated European tour, much to the excitement of its dedicated fanbase.
That said, I must admit it has been a long time since I fully immersed myself in an Avantasia album. The last ones I listened to in their entirety were The Scarecrow, which I found intriguing, and Ghostlights, the only one that truly captivated me. However, since The Metal Opera, Avantasia hasn’t managed to enchant me in the same way. My neurodivergent brain perceives music as a safe space. When a song resonates with me, it becomes a looped sanctuary, playing for hours or even days. Conversely, if a song fails to grab me, no matter how acclaimed the artist or band, I won’t revisit it. I expected Here Be Dragons to fall into the latter category—until I saw the guest artists.
Among the featured vocalists were Tommy Karevik and Roy Khan—two iconic voices from Kamelot, one of my favorite bands. This discovery prompted me to give the album a chance. To my delight, Here Be Dragons features several tracks that passed my “loop filter,” bringing me immense joy. For instance, The Moorland At Twilight, featuring the legendary Michael Kiske of Helloween, instantly earned a spot on my power metal playlist. Its rhythmic structure, orchestrations, and polyphonic choruses echo the brilliance of The Metal Opera. Similarly, The Witch, featuring Tommy Karevik, shines with its dark, intense bridge and one of the catchiest choruses on the album, complemented by elegant, sensual atmospheres.
Other standout tracks include “Bring On The Night”, which channels an 80s AOR and Hard Rock vibe, highlighted by Bob Catley’s (of Magnum) beautiful vocals and refreshing innocence. “Unleash The Kraken” combines symphonic and operatic elements with a thrash-metal-inspired rhythmic base, making it one of my favorites. Meanwhile, “Avalon” showcases Adrienne Cowan’s (of Seven Spires) haunting vibrato, enhanced by mid-tempo rhythms, impeccable solos, and a magical bridge that adds depth to this epic track.
However, “Against The Wind” stands out as an absolute favorite. Its intro reminded me of “Heavy Rain”, a retro-futuristic Power Metal gem. Kenny Leckremo (of H.E.A.T.) delivers a masterful performance, duetting with Tobias Sammet in a way that echoes the late, great Andre Matos. With its demolishing riffs and intense rhythm, this track feels like a triumphant return to Avantasia’s roots. Closing the album is “Everybody Is Here Until The End”, featuring the beloved Roy Khan. This track evokes strong Inside vibes, with Tobias’s soothing vocals giving way to Khan’s dramatic, epic delivery. The emotional intensity, heart-melting choruses, and Yngwie Malmsteen-esque solo left me with chills and tears.
I didn’t expect much from Here Be Dragons, but Avantasia proved me wrong. Except for “The Creep Show” and the title track, every song felt like the Avantasia I fell in love with years ago. This album feels like a map leading me back to a safe space I had lost—a return to my power metal roots. Here Be Dragons is not just an album; it’s a homecoming, a reminder of why I fell in love with Avantasia in the first place.
Label: Napalm Records
Release date: 28 February, 2025
Website: https://avantasia.com/
Country: Germany
Score: 4.0/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 