From Press Release –
AVANTASIA is set to unleash their 0th studio album and Napalm Records debut, Here Be Dragons, on February 28, 2025! The album includes a mix of powerful choirs and theatrical symphonic metal elements. Frontman Tobias Sammet also surprises fans, old and new, with plenty of intriguing fresh sounds. ‘Here Be Dragons‘ gives the AVANTASIA sound that has been carefully crafted over a quarter of a century an exciting and powerful spin.
The band has previously put together nine studio albums (including the 2019 offering Moonglow that charted at #1 in Germany) and headlined shows at metal festivals as well as worldwide sold-out arenas. Soon after the release of Here Be Dragons, the band will head out on an extensive tour across Europe, promising to deliver fans an immersive experience with their biggest and most epic production ever.
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!”
Pre-order HERE!
In the AVANTASIA tradition, the new album is rich in storytelling with a cinematic atmosphere. Opening track “Creepshow” is one of the catchiest songs in their career, welcoming the listener into the new era of AVANTASIA. In contrast, the title track “Here Be Dragons” is a classic AVANTASIA song and by far the longest on the album. Songs include the cinematic dark soundscapes of “The Witch”, emotional vocal performances on “Avalon”, and the heavy metal number “Against The Wind” serving as further proof of versatility.
‘Here Be Dragons’ Track List:
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
