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Review: Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony
Avantasia
www.tobiassammet.com
The Wicked Symphony

Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Year released: 2010
Duration: 60:40
Tracks: 11
Genre: Power Metal

Rating:
4.5/5


Review online: April 16, 2010
Reviewed by: Christopher Foley
Readers' Rating
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Rated 4/5 (80%) (38 Votes)
Review

This time around Tobias has decided to lynch us with two full albums of multi-vocalist majesty. First up for inspection: The Wicked Symphony. Returning from The Scarecrow we have Jorn Lande, Bob Catley, and of course Michael Kiske, rounding off the guests we have Russell Allen, Andre Matos, Klaus Meine, Tim "Ripper" Owens, and Ralf Zdiarstek. Tobias' band this time consists of legends Sascha Paeth and Michael "Miro" Rodenberg handling guitars and keyboards respectively as well as drummer Eric Singer who should really need no introduction. Not to mention a host of guest musicians usual of Tobias' projects. Pretty awesome line-up if I may say so myself.

Opening up with the massive title track, straight off the bat we're treated to 9 minutes of superb melodic metal, three-way vocal performances from Jorn, Russell and of course Tobias, already the smile is from ear to ear – massive chorus that's insanely melodic – so far, so good. "Wastelands" is a track usual of Avantasia and of course featuring Michael Kiske it's not hard to guess that it's a kick ass Power Metal number, again superb and another choice chorus. Which is where The Wicked Symphony really comes into its own – I would certainly go as far to say this is the catchiest I've heard Avantasia at. Every song is an utter pleasure to listen to, look no further than "Dying for an Angel" again usual of Tobias drawing similarities to tracks such as "Lost in Space" or "Superheroes" although entirely more enjoyable. Stylistically this is obviously very similar to The Scarecrow, which should go to say if you weren't a fan of that album there's no way you're going to be converted here.

Fortunately The Wicked Symphony remains truly enjoyable throughout, and it's certainly hard to pick favorites among the listing. "Runaway Train" boasts a theatrical theme that is very well utilized and doesn't fall into the gay territory a couple of bands have stumbled into in the past trying this sort of thing. "Blizzard on a Broken Mirror" certainly speaks to me as becoming a favorite with Andre Matos really shining in his vocal parts, the song very suiting to his vocals. I could literally go on and mention every track as they all have something to offer. I sat and smiled throughout this, and anyone who enjoyed The Scarecrow will too. Fans of Power Metal would be wise to give this a listen, although I would suggest approaching with an open mind because this certainly won't win any awards for crushing heaviness.

More about Avantasia...
Review: A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society (reviewed by MetalMike)
Review: Angel of Babylon (reviewed by Christopher Foley)
Review: Ghostlights (reviewed by MetalMike)
Review: Lost in Space (Part 1) (reviewed by Larry Griffin)
Review: Lost in Space (Part 2) (reviewed by Larry Griffin)
Review: Moonglow (reviewed by MetalMike)
Review: The Flying Opera (reviewed by MetalMike)
Review: The Metal Opera (reviewed by Christian Renner)
Review: The Metal Opera (reviewed by Larry Griffin)
Review: The Metal Opera Pt. II (reviewed by Christian Renner)
Review: The Metal Opera Pt. II (reviewed by Larry Griffin)
Review: The Scarecrow (reviewed by Bruce Dragonchaser)
Review: The Scarecrow (reviewed by Larry Griffin)
Review: The Wicked Symphony (reviewed by Adam Kohrman)
Review: The Wicked Symphony (reviewed by Lior "Steinmetal" Stein)
Interview with vocalist Tobias Sammet on December 13, 2018 (Interviewed by Luxi Lahtinen)
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