Epic of varied nature

Who does not know that "Metal Opera Pt I + II." - Tobias Sammet, in his capacity Fronter the Power Metal-flyer EDGUY, created at the beginning of the millennium these masterpieces and united in this many great musicians that you would not dream of in common , Of course, the joy was great as Tobi with "The Scarecrow" again gathered heroes of metal around, but sobering was the result. Despite many good songs and strong approaches, the part had as its weaknesses.

After another EDGUY album he announced that he has even more material left over and can cram all the same two albums with songs. And so it should be. "The Wicked Symphony" and "Angel Of Babylon" carry the story further and accommodate alongside well-known stars such as Michael Kiske (UNISONIC, EX-HELLOWEEN), Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN), Eric Singer (KISS) or Felix Bohnke (EDGUY), many new guests who still had no presence in AVANTASIA universe. But to which I'll come back later.

"The Wicked Symphony" begins with the same song, and can be identified by its almost 10 minutes as the first epic. The track is versatile and enthralling. In the middle section Tobi gets even a screaming fit á la Led Zeppelin and Jorn Lande has long deserved an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in AVANTASIA. This is followed by a typical up-tempo and beautiful power metal number with Kiske on the lead vocals. Why does the Lord remembers not finite and remade Power Metal?

Now the first big surprise and my absolute highlight. "Scales of Justice" is perhaps not the best thing ever for AVANTASIA, but definitely the hardest. And who could be involved for a chunk as this as a singer? Of course the "Ripper" himself - Tim Owens (. Ex-JUDAS PRIEST, Charred Walls Of The Damned, etc.), who seems to be in the form seinens life at the time, refines these creeps song with his incisive vocals, making this into something absolutely special. Following then flashes Tobias' pop diva in him by because "Dying For An Angel" a pop, but really cool number has become, who lives by the duet with Klaus Meine (SCORPIONS). After that, the quality decreases slightly because "Blizzard On A Broken Mirror" and "Runaway Train" does not come close to the level presented, but are very consistent with their easy baladesk drying orientation and to be described as bad as anything else.

After this short break, then waits About track number 2 on the audience. "Crestfallen" has failed harder again, is based on an extremely tight tension, which opens into a bombastic chorus, which deals with Screams - alternates Screams of Tobi - yes read correctly. "Forever Is A Long Time" is a rock number with a nice refrain and good performance of Jorn, but does not stand out more while the somber "Black Wings" Andre Matos puts his skills to the test and you bet on more modern sounds. The guest roles not want to end and so prog legend Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X) may ran the faster "State Of Matter" until then champion Sammet slightly corny yet completed this work beautifully with the ballad "The Edge".

One conclusion would be no need actually to this Review. Tobi has made the failure of "The Scarecrow" forget and will focus on their strengths and those of his guests, which he has personally tailored perfectly matching songs. Of course, all this has nothing to do with the "Metal Opera" at the time, but that expects no more.