"Its a very good book that everyone should read... I want to support the author
and the release of this book is for a good reason (Parkinson-Community)."
- Tobias Sammet: Vocalist and bassist.
- Sascha Paeth: Guitarist.
- Bruce Kulick: Guitarist.
- Oliver Hartmann: Guitarist.
- Felix Bohnke: Drummer.
- Alex Holzwarth: Drummer.
- Eric Singer: Drummer.
- Jens Johansson: Keyboardist.
Vocal Guests:
- Michael Kiske: Vocalist.
- Bob Catley: Vocalist.
- Klaus Meine: Vocalist.
- Tim "Ripper" Owens: Vocalist.
- Jorn Lande: Vocalist.
- Russell Allen: Vocalist.
- André Matos: Vocalist.
- Cloudy Yang: Vocalist.
- Ralf Zdiarstek: Vocalist.
- Jon Oliva: Vocalist.
- Production and mix by Sascha Paeth, Miro Rodenberg and Tobias Sammet.
- Bob Catley's vocal session at Viper Room Recording Studio in England under supervision of Vinny Burns.
- Klaus Meine's vocal session at Peppermint Park studios in Hannover.
The artwork for the two new Avantasia albums (that will be available in one box in the Deluxe Edition) was done by Thomas Ewerhard (Official site).
Tobias Sammet said about the new albums: Looking at the music industry today with all the CD burning and downloading, I guess in the near future many of us traditional rock and metal bands won't be able to spend such a production budget. I am afraid I won't be able to afford so many guests and such a big production with orchestration and a choir and all that. That's why this production takes so much time; it may be the last big epic I will be able to afford, and I want it to be the biggest piece I have worked on so far.
Tobias Sammet commented about Kiske collaboration: Michael's voice and singing have had a huge influence on me when I was young. Helloween's "Eagle Fly Free" lit the spark for me back then, it made me want to become a singer at age 12.
Michael appears on several songs, two are fast and anthemic tunes, my personal "Eagle-Fly-Frees" if you want. Crystal clear and high singing. If up-tempo music sounds like that, I don't get tired of it. And still it is not a copy of early Helloween or early Avantasia. It's great to have Michael sing those kinds of tunes. He's a good guy! Great job, great voice!
Michael Kiske: Most of what I did this time was pretty traditional, but I don't know what it will sound like when they are finally done with it. Hard to predict for me, what it all will be in the end. But I do like Tobi and have no doubt that it will be all done well. Sasha is always a good choice too. A very good man I always liked when I had him on the phone.
You want to know what the new AVANTASIA albums are going to sound like? You can! From Thursday the 11th on you will get your personal online listening sessions at "Backstage" section in tobiassammet.com.
A video clip was shot in late January at the ancient town hall in Hannover, Germany for the song "Dying For An Angel" featuring Klaus Meine (SCORPIONS).
Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) will be part on this new album.
Finally not but Tobias Sammet said: "He is a priority target. I tried and I will try again. But he is busy wasting his talent into a flying deck of a commercial plane ha ha ha."
Looking at the music industry today with all the CD burning and downloading, I guess in the near future many of us traditional rock and metal bands won't be able to spend such a production budget. I am afraid I won't be able to afford so many guests and such a big production with orchestration and a choir and all that. That's why this production takes so much time; it may be the last big epic I will be able to afford, and I want it to be the biggest piece I have worked on so far.
