Get ready for a sonic adventure! Tobias Sammet, the mastermind behind the long-running symphonic metal project AVANTASIA, is set too unleash the band’s tenth studio album, “Here Be Dragons,” on February 28, 2025, via Napalm Records. The album’s frist single, “Creepshow,” is already making waves with its infectious energy adn cinematic music video.
[Video of “Creepshow” music video]
Sammet describes “Creepshow” as “a perfect single. It’s short and catchy,and it emphasizes a facet of my work that has taken a backseat in my music in recent years. It’s light-hearted and the opposite of melancholic. And it’s fresh, boisterous and unabashed — a straightforward kick-ass anthem.”
He adds, “Also, even though it may seem like a reminiscence of my earlier writing, I think we managed to turn the whole thing into a trademark AVANTASIA tune, as we accentuated with the music video. We rented a haunted castle in North England and celebrated a night in the world of spectres and undead creatures.This is the most vibrant and eccentric music video I’ve ever shot in my entire career, not dead serious, but certainly of serious quality! I can’t wait to play ‘Creepshow’ live on our tour next year. I can already see the whole venue jumping up and down and screaming along!”
“Here Be Dragons” promises to be a thrilling ride for longtime fans and newcomers alike. While retaining the signature AVANTASIA elements of soaring choirs and epic symphonic metal, the album introduces fresh soundscapes and a renewed sense of energy. Sammet describes it as ”the most consistent and concise piece of art that the band has ever crafted.”
AVANTASIA’s impressive track record speaks for itself: nine previous studio albums (including the chart-topping “Moonglow” in 2019),gold awards,hundreds of millions of streams,and sold-out arena tours worldwide. the band shows no signs of slowing down, with a massive european arena tour planned for after the album’s release.
Sammet enthuses, “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.”
He continues, “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!”
“here Be Dragons” is a testament to AVANTASIA’s enduring power and Sammet’s unwavering creative vision.Prepare to be swept away by its cinematic storytelling, powerful vocals, and unforgettable melodies.
German symphonic metal titans AVANTASIA have unleashed their tenth studio album, “Here Be Dragons,” a sonic masterpiece that solidifies their position as a powerhouse in the rock and metal scene. The album, a testament to mastermind Tobias Sammet’s creative vision, is a captivating journey through a realm of powerful vocals, intricate melodies, and epic storytelling.
“Here Be Dragons” showcases AVANTASIA’s signature blend of heavy metal and symphonic elements, seamlessly weaving together soaring vocals, thunderous riffs, and orchestral grandeur. Tracks like “creepshow” and “Unleash the Kraken” deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience, while the hauntingly beautiful “Avalon” and the anthemic “Against the wind” demonstrate the band’s remarkable versatility.
“Here Be Dragons” is undeniably AVANTASIA’s most powerful album so far.
The album was meticulously crafted by Sammet,who penned all the lyrics and music. He collaborated with renowned producer sascha Paeth on recording and mixing, while Michael Rodenberg handled the mastering. The iconic cover art, a visual feast of fantasy and adventure, was created by acclaimed British artist Rodney Matthews, further enhancing the album’s immersive experience.
Fans can delve deeper into the world of “Here Be Dragons” through various physical editions, including a 3CD hardcover artbook brimming with exclusive content.This collector’s item features 96 pages of stunning artwork, behind-the-scenes photos, and insightful stories that accompany the music.
Track Listing:
- Creepshow
- Here Be Dragons
- The Moorland At Twilight
- The Witch
- Phantasmagoria
- Bring On The night
- Unleash The kraken
- Avalon
- Against The Wind
- Everybody’s Here Until The End
“Here Be Dragons” follows AVANTASIA’s critically acclaimed 2022 release, “A Paranormal Evening With The Moonflower Society,” which featured an impressive roster of guest musicians. throughout their illustrious career, AVANTASIA has collaborated with legendary artists such as Alice Cooper, Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker of the Scorpions, Sharon Den Adel of Within Temptation, and many more.
With “Here Be Dragons,” AVANTASIA continues to push the boundaries of symphonic metal, delivering an unforgettable sonic experience that will captivate fans worldwide.
## Diving Deep with Tobias Sammet: A Decade, Dragons, and
**World Today News Exclusive Interview**
**World Today News:** Tobias, welcome! “Here Be Dragons” is a colossal achievement; ten albums into AVANTASIA’s incredible career, what makes this one stand apart?
**Tobias Sammet:** Thank you! You see a lot of
bands loosen the grip and get complacent with success. But I felt a true ravenous hunger recompiled within me – this album needed to be big, bold, and absolutely fearless! Think of “Here Be Dragons” as purer AVANTASIA, distilled to its essence. ten tracks, each a unique vignette, yet forming a cohesive, powerful narrative.
**World Today News:** The first single, ”Creepshow,” is already a masterpiece of catchy grooves and cinematic production. It feels almost like a throwback to your earlier work, but somehow even more polished.
**Tobias Sammet:** You’ve hit the nail on the head. “Creepshow” is the perfect carrier pigeon for the album’s spirit. It’s direct,energetic,overflowing with melody – dare I say,FUN? A bit of an archetype of the early AVANTASIA days,but elevated by what we’ve learned over the years. And the music video? Let’s just say we brought a haunted castle to life! (Laughter)
**World Today News:** You’ve always embraced theatricality and concept within your music. What can fans expect from “Here Be Dragons” on a thematic level?
**Tobias Sammet:** This album is a personal odyssey, but also a reflection of a world yearning for adventure. Dragons are these mythical creatures,representing the unknown,the wildness within us…but thay’re also symbols of overcoming challenges, facing our fears.
**World Today News:** You mentioned earlier an “uncompromising, reckless” approach to songwriting on this record. Can you elaborate on that?
**Tobias Sammet:** this wasn’t about following formulas. It was about instinct, pure creative flow. No internal censoring, no doubt creeping in. I wanted each song to burst with life, with the energy of those early days when I first fell in love with music.
**World Today News:** AVANTASIA has consistently delivered explosive live shows. What can audiences expect on the upcoming tour?
**Tobias Sammet:** This new stage set is seriously next-level! We’re bringing the world of “Here Be Dragons” to life. Expect a visual feast alongside the classics and some really special rarities.
**World Today News:**
Tobias, only a few months away from release, what’s your message to fans eagerly anticipating “Here Be Dragons”?
**Tobias Sammet:** Buckle up. This album is a ride, a journey into the heart of imagination. Let it rock you, inspire you, maybe even scare you a little. This is AVANTASIA unleashed!
**World Today News:** Thanks for your time, Tobias.
**Looking Forward:**
AVANTASIA’s “Here be Dragons” isn’t just another album; it’s a bold statement from a band at the peak of its powers.
With its captivating storytelling, powerful vocals, and epic sound, this album promises to be a landmark release for both the band and the genre itself.
Don’t miss the chance to experience “Here Be Dragons” live when AVANTASIA hits the road in 2025!
