First of the exterior: here was not spilled, but sometimes padded so right! The Gold Edition offers an absolutely high-quality optics in book format (and I know thus still does not quite know how I part now is to accommodate so right in my CD collection ...). The booklet leaves nothing to be desired, is informative and high quality design, and even the individual CDs come along in fine gold.
The music itself is raised then also beyond doubt. Admittedly, I had to listen only, because the Metal Opera for my taste after the first hearing something playful and, shall we say, a little too old school came over. I was immediately reminded of the old Helloween to Keepers times. But at least after the second pass, it just clicked. Great melodies, great lyrics, everything fantasy-heavy and a major triumph. Since then, the Metal Opera runs repeatedly in my player. A real treat! Especially make the interaction between the individual guest musician / singer (as the successor) the attraction for me from. It is worth mentioning no piece great. The whole opera is a single experience! As Mr. Sammet showed at an early age how can implement talent.
My conclusion: five stars for an absolutely great music experience in high-quality optics at a more than fair price!