After having previously signed a record deal with Napalm Records, rock and Metal Opera flagship AVANTASIA have just announced cover artwork and tracklist for their new album “Here Be Dragons” which will be released on February 28, 2025.
The cover artwork of the new album “Here Be Dragons” was done by Rodney Matthews, The album contains a lot of very traditional and typical AVANTASIA stuff, fans of “Metal Opera”, “Scarecrow”, “Ghostlights” and “Mystery of Time” will love it. Tobias Sammet is also very proud of some piano elements there, especially the limited edition buyers will get some very exclusive top class bonus materials with piano and keys and lots of background stories in a very limited mega size book. Tobi will tell more later, and the burning piano will be a key moment in the next tour.
Featuring absolute AVANTASIA essentials such as spellbinding choirs and theatrical symphonic metal elements, multitalented mastermind and frontman Tobias Sammet also surprises fans old and new with plenty of intriguing fresh soundscapes. “Here Be Dragons” gives the celebrated AVANTASIA sound that has been carefully crafted over a quarter of a century an exciting and powerful spin. The new album is the most consistent and concise piece of art that the band has ever crafted.
Tobias Sammet comments:
“This new album carries the most adventurous and bold spirit my music has had in decades. And it’s rather reckless, fearless, powerful, and uplifting and not introverted at all. While my previous albums allowed me to get a lot off my chest, this time I dove headfirst into the creative flood, crafting ten discrete, musical pictures, that miraculously merged into what I believe is the tightest chapter in AVANTASIA’s history. I did everything exactly how I wanted it, approaching the album with unrelenting determination and a carefree attitude, that was reminiscent of my early days way before the Metal Opera thing, when I felt unstoppable and let instinct just write songs. Right now I’m bursting with energy and can’t wait to unleash “Here Be Dragons” and then kick off the big tour with our new stage. We’ll present the new material alongside our classics and some rarities in the most spectacular stage show AVANTASIA has ever delivered. An early Merry Christmas, everyone!”
TRACKLIST:
1. Creepshow
2. Here Be Dragons
3. The Moorland At Twilight
4. The Witch
5. Phantasmagoria
6. Bring On The Night
7. Unleash The Kraken
8. Avalon
9. Against The Wind
10. Everybody’s Here Until The End
Regarding his collaboration with Napalm Records, Tobias Sammet commented:
“AVANTASIA is back, and with the biggest show we’ve ever put on during this year’s festival season, we’ve already given you a taste of what’s to come. Fueled by the incredible spirit and energy of our tour, we headed back to the studio to channel that momentum into creating our most powerful album yet: Here Be Dragons.
We’re also thrilled to announce our new partnership with Napalm Records. Their passion, commitment, and deep love for the world of AVANTASIA have been truly inspiring and they’re just as enthusiastic as we are to bring this new chapter to life.
I couldn’t be more excited about the future. AVANTASIA is back, bigger and stronger than ever!”
Thomas Caser, Napalm Records Managing Director adds:
“Tobias Sammet is one of the most influential and prolific artists this genre has ever produced. With his boundless creativity and unwavering dedication, he has created one of the most spectacular bands in the world with AVANTASIA. We are thrilled to set another milestone in the band’s history together and are ready to push the upcoming AVANTASIA album worldwide at full throttle! Welcome, Tobi!”
Catch AVANTASIA live on tour!
14.03.25 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle
15.03.25 BE – Brussels / AB Box
16.03.25 FR – Paris / Olympia
18.03.25 LU – Esch-sur-Alzette / Rockhal
20.03.25 DE – Berlin / Columbiahalle
21.03.25 DE – Bamberg / Brose Arena
22.03.25 DE – Bochum / RuhrCongress
24.03.25 UK – London / The Roundhouse
26.03.25 NL – Tilburg / O13
28.03.25 DE – Stuttgart / Schleyerhalle
29.03.25 CZ – Prague / Forum Karlin
01.04.25 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra
02.04.25 AT – Vienna / Gasometer
04.04.25 DE – Munich / Zenith
05.04.25 DE – Frankfurt am Main / Jahrhunderthalle
06.04.25 DE – Cologne / Palladium
08.04.25 IT – Milan / Alcatraz
09.04.25 CH – Zurich / The Hall
11.04.25 ES – Barcelona / Razzmatazz
12.04.25 ES – Madrid / Vistalegre
Website: http://www.tobiassammet.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/avantasia
