“For fans of symphonic and power metal, this album is a must-listen—a bold, fearless, and exhilarating journey that reaffirms Avantasia’s place as one of the genre’s most innovative acts.”

Words by Felix Bartlett | Feb 24, 2025

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Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia has long been a beacon of symphonic and cinematic metal, blending grandiose storytelling with melodic hooks that defy genre boundaries. As the band approaches their 25th anniversary, their latest offering in the form of, Here Be Dragons, solidifies their status as masters of their craft. This tenth studio offering is a testament to Sammet’s unwavering commitment to creating music that is both ambitious and accessible, a hallmark of Avantasia’s enduring appeal.

From the outset, you’re treated to the infectious track ‘Creepshow’, that serves as a gateway for newcomers while satisfying longtime fans. Its pop-metal sensibility and concise structure make it an ideal single, but it’s merely the appetiser for the feast that follows. The title track, ‘Here Be Dragons’, is the centrepiece of the album—a nearly nine-minute epic featuring the legendary Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche). Sammet’s ability to weave multiple melodies into a cohesive narrative is on full display here, proving once again that he is a maestro of melodic metal. The song never feels overindulgent, a testament to Sammet’s knack for balancing complexity with catchiness.

Guest vocalists have always been a cornerstone of Avantasia’s sound, and Here Be Dragons is no exception. Michael Kiske shines on ‘The Moorlands at Twilight’, delivering a speed metal anthem that harkens back to his Helloween days, while Bob Catley’s ‘Bring On the Night’ feels like a Magnum classic reborn. H.E.A.T.’s Kenny Leckremo steals the show on ‘Against the Wind’, a power metal juggernaut that showcases his versatility and Sammet’s ability to tailor songs to his collaborators’ strengths. The inclusion of Adrienne Cowan on ‘Avalon’ adds a fresh dynamic, her powerful vocals complementing Sammet’s theatrical delivery.

Tobias Sammet takes the spotlight on ‘Unleash the Kraken’, a thunderous speed metal track that ranks among Avantasia’s finest. His unbridled energy and commanding vocals make it an instant standout, though the absence of a final chorus leaves a lingering sense of unmet potential. The album closes with ‘Everybody’s Here Until the End’, a poignant power ballad featuring Roy Khan (Kamelot, Conception). Its melancholic yet uplifting tone provides a fitting conclusion to an album that traverses a wide emotional and musical spectrum.

Here Be Dragons is a triumph, showcasing Avantasia at their most ambitious and refined. While it may not surpass the heights of 2013’s ‘ ‘Where Clock Hands Freeze’ (a personal favourite of mine), it comes remarkably close, offering a rich tapestry of melodies, guest performances, and storytelling. For fans of symphonic and power metal, this album is a must-listen—a bold, fearless, and exhilarating journey that reaffirms Avantasia’s place as one of the genre’s most innovative acts.

Verdict: 💀💀💀💀

For fans of: Nightwish, Blind Guardian, HammerFall

Here Be Dragons is released on February 28^th via Napalm Records