January 10, 2013

RONNIE ATKINS OF PRETTY MAIDS ON NEW AVANTASIA ALBUM

After Biff Byford (Saxon), Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween, Unisonic), Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon, ex-Vengeance), Bruce Kulick (Grand Funk Railroad, ex-KISS, ex-Meat Loaf) and the German Filmorchestra Babelsberg another participent can now be announced: It's Pretty Maids vocalist Ronnie Atkins who will sing a role on the new Avantasia Metal Opera "The Mystery Of Time" (out in March 2013). 

December 27, 2012

ARJEN LUCASSEN ON NEW AVANTASIA ALBUM!

"To me he used to be what John D. Rockerduck is to Scrooge McDuck: An adamant long time rival; in our case when it comes to producing Rock Operas. Well, if you can't beat your enemy make him your ally! And so I opened the door and literally invited pestilence into my world, ha! Seriously, the truth is that the 'pestilence' I'm talking about is really one of the nicest, coolest and loveliest plagues I've ever come to know, an ambitious artist through and through and a real great guitar player. So, having just come back from a shopping tour in 2912 -where apparently he found himself a brand new pair of bad-ass pants & boots- he went into the studio to record some additional lead guitar for the forthcoming Avantasia album "The Mystery Of Time": Ayreon mastermind Arjen Anthony Lucassen!

Arjen, if you read this: Killer pants, hope you had a Merry Christmas and I wish you a happy 200110010013! ;-) You rock! Groetjes, Tobi"

In March 2013 the new Avantasia Rock Opera "The Mystery Of Time" will be released on CD and vinyl. The album is going to feature guest stars such as Biff Byford (Saxon), Michael Kiske (Unisonic, ex-Helloween), Bruce Kulick (ex-Kiss, ex-Meat Loaf), Russell Gilbrook (Uriah Heep), Arjen A. Lucassen (Ayreon, ex-Vengeance) and the "German Film Orchestra Babelsberg". More musicians will be announced soon! In April an all-star ensemble will set off on a world tour, playing 3 hour indoor shows on their own plus a few chosen festivals!

December 27, 2012

AVANTASIA TOURING SOUTH AMERICA

Avantasia have just been confirmed for indoor shows in Argentina, Brazil and Chile. More South American dates to be announced soon, check the tour section for details!

December 23, 2012

CHECK THIS OUT... AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

"Hey friends, as you know I am currently working on a new Avantasia album. It's a lot of work, but I am so proud of what we are creating right now - it's amazing stuff. As my little Christmas gift to, and to make Christmas even a little more exciting for you, I'll reveal some secrets today: Of course, Michael Kiske is on board again! I bet you expected this, you can hear him loud and clear, and he is still the number one vocalist in that range - unbelievable! But, what is really new: For the first time in the history of Avantasia, we're working with a real symphonic orchestra: The German Film Orchestra Babelsberg! You may remember it, they have worked with Rammstein, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, and also with Edguy on the Hellfire Club album. It's an enchanting fairytale we are working on, so we really have no choice but to finally have a real orchestra - after all it's an epic Rock-, or probably Metal Opera! Okay, I don‘t wanna talk much, but wish you a Happy Christmas. If you click on the clip below, you can check out the orchestra recordings and also, you'll hear a little sample, a rough mix of what's to come in March 2013: THE MYSTERY OF TIME!  Enjoy…  and Merry Christmas! - Tobi"

December 18, 2012

AVANTASIA LIVE IN RUSSIA

AVANTASIA have just been confirmed for an indoor show in Moscow, Russia on June 23rd . Check “tour“ for all dates!