Back in 1999 mastermind Tobias Sammet created the critically acclaimed all-star rock opera Avantasia that certainly has garnered a great success worldwide and the new ambitious opus entitled “Moonglow” represents another fascinating milestone with conceptual themes inspired by dark romanticism and Victorian tales.
“Ghost In The Moon” marks a grandiose beginning effortlessly blending accessible melodic moments featuring the sheer elegance and melancholy of classical piano pieces, majestic orchestrations and an inner classic rock attitude that emerges through the polished guitar work. The whole composition and fancy execution here aim to constantly showcase the proper theatrical approach of a rock opera that will truly shine as a live performance.
The upbeat grooves of “Book Of Shallows” combine the bombastic energy of power metal and traditional heavy metal as guitars maintain a dominant role delivering tight & faster riffs as well as tasteful melodic progressions while the whole instrumental ensemble is definitely enriched by the multifaceted vocal performances which this time feature Hansi Kürsch of Blind Guardian, ex Masterplan Jørn Lande, Ronnie Atkins of Pretty Maids and Mille Petrozza of Kreator.
The dramatic nuances of “The Raven Child” lead to refined orchestrations that allow the poignant vocals of Hansi Kürsch and Jorn Lande to take the center stage. While this lengthy song always maintains an underlying mellow gloom, it features several compelling style variations with particularly opulent arrangements channeling classical & symphonic inspiration and wilder heavy moments with sharp guitar riffage and enthusiastic groovy rhythmic sections.
The unmistakable voice of Geoff Tate is a perfect fit for the nostalgia infused tonalities of “Invincible” which focuses mainly on the expression of passionate feelings with graceful atmospheric arrangements and ballad style soft piano melodies.
On “Alchemy” suspenseful atmospheric textures introduce a compelling blend of soulful melodies and memorable guitar driven grooves while Geoff Tate never disappoints with an incredible vocal performance that naturally enhances the progressive aspects of the elaborate instrumental passages.
On “The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn” the vocals performed by Ronnie Atkins, Jorn Lande, Eric Martin, Bob Catley and Geoff Tate certainly provide a high degree of diversity within the sophisticated composition where rich multi layered arrangements surround a widely accessible melodic ensemble while keeping a traditional power metal approach with triumphant guitar riffs and flamboyant soloing.
Avantasia confidently deliver another passionate music experience and the majestic detailed composition behind “Moonglow” leads to an intricate work of music that has the ability to take you far away with its compelling melodic splendor and so many charismatic vocal performances.