Avantasia – The Wicked Symphony & Angels of Babylon (2010) – Review by Logan Lee

Due to personal issues, I was not into music these last days. But when I was asked to prepare this review I suddenly regained strength and that really is the greatest Avantasia feature - the ability to lift up spirits with their music. I did not even know that Mr. Sammet was preparing a new release and when I saw there were TWO CDs to hear I ran and got them.

It is impossible for me to talk track by track of each CD, but it is also not necessary since anyone who loves their style (or just love rock opera’s) may listen to both of them (if possible, making a step behind to listen again to the Scarecrow). The wicked Symphony and Angels of Babylon are respectively the second and the third chapter of the Scarecrow Saga and as so they also present some of the greatest singers in the world (not only on power metal genre). My favourites are, as known, Jorn Lande and Russell Allen, but a important role is also played by other top of the tops like Andre Matos, Michael Kiske, Alice Cooper and Jon Oliva (just to mention a few). Even Tobbias has defined one of the tracks (The Wicked Symphony) a ten minutes vocal duo among him, Jorn and Russell Allen

Musically the work is great and there is really nothing missing: Great plot, well chosen music arrangements, fantastic combination of vocal parts and an absolute amazing atmosphere   that will keep everybody focused until the end of the last track of the 3^rd chapter (yes, I suggest you to listen to the three albums in a row… I did, and enjoyed the experience).

Instead of reviewing the music (which I don’t believe is necessary since Avantasia ablums are always a MUST HAVE), I shall give you some of the information that may help understanding the concept Saga (called as The Wicked Saga).

First of all the tracklist of both album (and the Art Cover):

      Tracklist The Wicked Symphony:

1. "The Wicked Symphony" - 9:28
2. "Wastelands" - 4:44
3. "Scales of Justice" - 5:04
4. "Dying for an Angel" - 4:32
5. "Blizzard On a Broken Mirror" - 6:07
6. "Runaway Train" - 8:42
7. "Crestfallen" - 4:02
8. "Forever is a Long Time" - 5:05
9. "Black Wings" - 4:37
10. "States of Matter" - 3:57
11. "The Edge" - 4:12

Tracklist Angels of Babylon:

1. "Stargazers" - 9:33
2. "Angel of Babylon" - 5:29
3. "Your Love is Evil" - 3:53
4. "Death is Just a Feeling" - 5:21
5. "Rat Race" - 4:07
6. "Down in the Dark" - 4:23
7. "Blowing Out the Flame" - 4:51
8. "Symphony of Life" - 4:30
9. "Alone I Remember" - 4:48
10. "Promised Land" - 4:47
11. "Journey to Arcadia" - 7:12

Second of all, the list of the characters and singers who plays each one:

·  Tobias Sammet - The Scarecrow / The Protagonist

·  Roy Khan - A psychiatrist treating the protagonist

·  Jørn Lande - A Mephistopheles figure, the embodiment of vanity and temptation

·  Amanda Somerville - The unrequited love of the protagonist

·  Bob Catley - The protagonist's good conscience

·  Michael Kiske - The mentor of the protagonist

·  Alice Cooper - A tycoon who flogs off art to the desperate

·  Oliver Hartmann - A man who introduces the protagonist to the dark side of life (listed as 'Fornication')

·  Russell Allen - Inspiration

·  Ripper Owens - Fury

·  Andre Matos - Acedia, irresponsibility against yourself

·  Klaus Meine - A glorius future vision of the protagonist

·  Ralf Zdiarstek - The sheltering and healing aspect of fury

·  Jon Oliva - A loony ghost who sold his soul for eternal wealth long ago

·  Cloudy Yang - A character in a side story

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