Avantasia - The Mystery of Time – Nuclear Blast
by Michael Knowles
It looks like 2013 can officially be declared the year of the metal opera. Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius) just released his metal epic titled The Land of New Hope; Arjen Lucassen is currently working on a new Ayreon project, and metal mastermind Tobias Sammet has released his new rock epic Avantasia record titled The Mystery of Time. It seems only fitting however that Tobias would release his metal opera first because as myself and countless critics would agree, The Mystery of Time is a true grandiose piece of heavy rock music, and overall an absolute gem. Three years after declaring that he was done producing Avantasia records, Tobias and his cast of unbelievably talented musicians and singers return with perhaps the greatest one of them all. After only a listen it is undeniable to hear that the 6th Avantasia installment is bigger, more powerful, and even more emotionally charged than any of its predecessors. There is so much depth to each one of the songs; and what can’t be emphasized enough is the fact that each song is entirely unique, and feels like it is advancing the story rather than just repeating the same theme over and over again. Also unlike some of the previous Avantasia releases, The Mystery of Time truly feels like an epic story is unfolding, due to the grand production of the album, and the unmistakable presence of the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg.
Of course what makes an Avantasia release such a huge ordeal is the wide selection of singers and musicians. There are a lot of familiar faces featured on The Mystery of Time; not surprisingly Michael Kiske and Bob Catley, Cloudy Yang as the lone female vocalist, and Sascha Paeth on lead and rhythm guitar. The new members of Avantasia include Joe Lynn Turner (ex Rainbow/Yngwie Malmsteen), Biff Byford (Saxon), Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids), and Eric Martin (Mr. Big), all of which provide very memorable and unique vocal performances. Metal opera pioneer Arjen Anthony Lucassen even joins the cast making his presence known by providing lead guitar work on track 2, “The Watchmakers’ Dream.”
Although every song on The Mystery of Time contains a level of musical greatness, there are, at least for this fan, songs that stand out above all the rest, and should instantly become crowd favorites during live shows. For starters one of the more brilliant tracks “The Black Orchid” is an enchanting epic-feeling song with a very impressive orchestral arrangement, almost Zeppelin like guitar work, and a very powerful vocal exchange between Tobias Sammet and Biff Byford. The first epic track, “Savior in the Clockwork,” perhaps more than any other song on the record really displays the masterful genius of songwriter and composer Tobias Sammet. The detail and intricacies of the melodies alone makes the song rewarding enough, but supplement that with the fact that the song is a musical journey in its own right, with a monumental chorus to boot, makes it virtually a flawless song. The following track “Invoke the Machine” to put simply, is one of the most catchy songs on the record with a very resonating chord progression, dueling guitar solos, and one of the more impressive guest vocal performances by Ronnie Atkins. The great closing epic song “The Great Mystery” is a fantastic end to a virtually perfect conceptualized metal opera. There are so many layers to this song as it goes back and forth from an intimate emotional filled piano piece to a heavy rock composition, followed by a soaring majestic like chorus. Also not to be overlooked Bob Catley delivers one of the most noteworthy performances of his Avantasia career, while creator and lead vocalist Tobias Sammet has never sounded better.
The Mystery of Time is a great musical adventure through and through, and one that fans will appreciate more and more with each listen. From the amazing artwork from artist Rodney Matthews to the closing seconds of the final song, the new Avantasia without a doubt is a masterpiece. I highly recommend purchasing this album on iTunes or tracking down a copy of the limited-edition CD pressing with the 28-page booklet. Both contain the two bonus tracks and detailed story to accompany the lyrics. Unlike the previous Avantasia releases in the Scarecrow trilogy, The Mystery of Time album booklet actually breaks down the lyrics to indicate which character is speaking, allowing the listener to be truly immersed into the epic story Tobias has created for the listener; This is what rock opera should be. And as hinted in the opening credits of the album booklet, The Mystery of Time is presented as the first chapter of the story. This fan cannot wait to experience the next chapter.
BUY The Mystery of Time on iTunes
BUY The Mystery of Time on Amazon
by Michael Knowles
It looks like 2013 can officially be declared the year of the metal opera. Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius) just released his metal epic titled The Land of New Hope; Arjen Lucassen is currently working on a new Ayreon project, and metal mastermind Tobias Sammet has released his new rock epic Avantasia record titled The Mystery of Time. It seems only fitting however that Tobias would release his metal opera first because as myself and countless critics would agree, The Mystery of Time is a true grandiose piece of heavy rock music, and overall an absolute gem. Three years after declaring that he was done producing Avantasia records, Tobias and his cast of unbelievably talented musicians and singers return with perhaps the greatest one of them all. After only a listen it is undeniable to hear that the 6th Avantasia installment is bigger, more powerful, and even more emotionally charged than any of its predecessors. There is so much depth to each one of the songs; and what can’t be emphasized enough is the fact that each song is entirely unique, and feels like it is advancing the story rather than just repeating the same theme over and over again. Also unlike some of the previous Avantasia releases, The Mystery of Time truly feels like an epic story is unfolding, due to the grand production of the album, and the unmistakable presence of the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg.
Of course what makes an Avantasia release such a huge ordeal is the wide selection of singers and musicians. There are a lot of familiar faces featured on The Mystery of Time; not surprisingly Michael Kiske and Bob Catley, Cloudy Yang as the lone female vocalist, and Sascha Paeth on lead and rhythm guitar. The new members of Avantasia include Joe Lynn Turner (ex Rainbow/Yngwie Malmsteen), Biff Byford (Saxon), Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids), and Eric Martin (Mr. Big), all of which provide very memorable and unique vocal performances. Metal opera pioneer Arjen Anthony Lucassen even joins the cast making his presence known by providing lead guitar work on track 2, “The Watchmakers’ Dream.”
Although every song on The Mystery of Time contains a level of musical greatness, there are, at least for this fan, songs that stand out above all the rest, and should instantly become crowd favorites during live shows. For starters one of the more brilliant tracks “The Black Orchid” is an enchanting epic-feeling song with a very impressive orchestral arrangement, almost Zeppelin like guitar work, and a very powerful vocal exchange between Tobias Sammet and Biff Byford. The first epic track, “Savior in the Clockwork,” perhaps more than any other song on the record really displays the masterful genius of songwriter and composer Tobias Sammet. The detail and intricacies of the melodies alone makes the song rewarding enough, but supplement that with the fact that the song is a musical journey in its own right, with a monumental chorus to boot, makes it virtually a flawless song. The following track “Invoke the Machine” to put simply, is one of the most catchy songs on the record with a very resonating chord progression, dueling guitar solos, and one of the more impressive guest vocal performances by Ronnie Atkins. The great closing epic song “The Great Mystery” is a fantastic end to a virtually perfect conceptualized metal opera. There are so many layers to this song as it goes back and forth from an intimate emotional filled piano piece to a heavy rock composition, followed by a soaring majestic like chorus. Also not to be overlooked Bob Catley delivers one of the most noteworthy performances of his Avantasia career, while creator and lead vocalist Tobias Sammet has never sounded better.
The Mystery of Time is a great musical adventure through and through, and one that fans will appreciate more and more with each listen. From the amazing artwork from artist Rodney Matthews to the closing seconds of the final song, the new Avantasia without a doubt is a masterpiece. I highly recommend purchasing this album on iTunes or tracking down a copy of the limited-edition CD pressing with the 28-page booklet. Both contain the two bonus tracks and detailed story to accompany the lyrics. Unlike the previous Avantasia releases in the Scarecrow trilogy, The Mystery of Time album booklet actually breaks down the lyrics to indicate which character is speaking, allowing the listener to be truly immersed into the epic story Tobias has created for the listener; This is what rock opera should be. And as hinted in the opening credits of the album booklet, The Mystery of Time is presented as the first chapter of the story. This fan cannot wait to experience the next chapter.
BUY The Mystery of Time on iTunes
BUY The Mystery of Time on Amazon