Avantasia

I know I said I would disclose the story of Avantasia when I was writting two posts back. However, today I was talking to some students who are reading Atonement and a friend tried to explain the story to them.

Now, all of those readig the book backed away, fearing they would know the ending before they read it the story. I think that, in the same way, no one would really apriciate the Avantasia story if I explained it from beginning to end.

So here is what I am going to do. I will leave you a sort of introdction to the plot, the characters and the main themes that are being used. It will be up to you to finid out more, if it suits your interest. Then again, feel free to ask me if you see me around... or if you really think I should put up the whole story, just leave a comment.

So here it is:

Set in 1602, Avantasia tells the story of Gabriel Laymann, a novice of a Dominican Order, who used to take part in witch hunts and the like. However, he had a sister, Anne Held, who is captured and condemed to the stake.

Gabriel is thus torn between his religion and the love he has for his sister. As expected, he turns from religion, and his adventure against the Pope and the like lead to him to meet Vandroiy, a dwarf from the parallel dimension of Avantasia. Such dimension is in grave peril, as the Earhtly Pope tries to gain access to a power so great that both worlds collapse. Vandroiy gives Gabriel a promise, that if they manage to stop the Pope, they will save Anna from being burnt.

Yes, I know its a very short summary, but to say more would be to reveal the story!
Now, throughout the plot there are several themes developing. Apart from the clear fantastic motif, religion plays a major role, as Gabriel questions the status quo and breaks away from the Catholic Church. Closely related to this, Individualism and Enlightenment also play major roles. When Gabriel meets Vandroiy he learns about a different world, about the truth and to question his reality. From this, Gabriel becomes an individual separarated from all the laws and ideals that were forced unto him.

It must be remembered that the story is set in the 1600s, during the Renaissance. Avantasia encompasses many of the ideals that flourished at the time, as people began to be secularized and used reason for everything.

Personally, with this information, I would be really excited to learn more about the story. I hope I set the same spark in you.

Nouveau Flamenco

While I've been exploring different kinds of music and arts, I came across Ottmar Liebert, an old favorite who I had forgotten. Soon enough I found myself enjoying the likes of Paco de Lucia and Camaron de la Isla.

To be honest, my knowledge of this genre, flamenco, is very superficial. I have heard the all-stars of such music scene, but I go no further. However, from the little I've heard until now, I am captured. I believe that flamenco has some of the most virtuous guitarists throughout the music world.

For example, take any Rock/Metal musician. Or any guitar player for that matter. They may be able to play very fast phrases across the fretboard or make a stunning rhythm. But it cannot compare to the beauty and talent you see in Paco de Lucia and the like.

Flamenco music is comprised by a combination of joy, sadness, melancholy, intensity and love for life, all of which have an intrinsic value, making the music and the emotion dependent of each other.

This is a continuation of my last post, where I spoke about Putokazi, and how they relate their music to dance. Well, with flamenco, dance IS considered an instrument in its own right. Because flamenco is a very rhythmic genre, dancers are used as percussionists to accompany the guitars and the cantante (singer).

Here is an awe-striking performance by Paco de Lucia, called "Percusion Flamenca."

(What he says at the beginning, in Spanish is: "Some say yes, some say no. I have asked great musicians if I should learn music. They've told me no, that it isn't necessary.")


And here is a nice dance performance (The sound is not so great though):

The Signposts.

Officially, there is no defined genre for Putokazi (Which, in Croatian, means "Signposts"). I would classify them as "experimental music" because of their wide range of methods to express themselves.

Putokazi combines music from many cultures with their own, creating a unique harmony. To be honest, some of their pieces are rather strange, and it can be hard to acquire the patience to enjoy their music. Yet, there are other compositions which are really incredible.

The avant-garde style of the band is very interesting and appealing in many instances. Along with their music, the members of Putokazi engage in different forms of artistic expression. For example, in their performances each composition is sided by some kind of dance, whether it be ancient, tribal or contemporary.

In their website, which can be accessed here (At the top right you can change the language to English), Putokazi has developed a new concept where the viewer/listener will be more involved in the music being created. I am yet to try this new system, as you need to download a driver to view their work, and WS internet is not fast enough for that.

I find the idea very interesting, however. From what I've read, the interactive sessions will be dictated by the viewer in some sort of storyline. Taken directly from their website, Putokazi stated that they would "enable a richer and more personalized experience for people, to immerge them into the magical world of Putokazi where the past, present and future stories blend. Each viewer decides how he will take part in this unique story, dream or meditative experience."

Well, here is the song I like most by them (Which in fact got me to listen to the ensemble more extensively):

The Metal Opera

I imagine most people associate the word "opera" to classical music, along with high pitched sopranos and even a few castrati singing about a strange drama. Figaro's Opera comes to mind, as you envision a man dressed in a tuxedo, a top hat and a classy mustache, facing an audience repleted with 19th Century noblemen.

I would not mark you off wrong, if such is the case. However, there are more, so to say, modern versions of this. With the rise of concept albums since the 1930s, and the ever-increasing nostalgia for Medieval chivalry, it was just a matter of time for something like a Metal Opera to appear. I must say, "The Metal Opera" is not the first opera, nor the only one. Then again, it is the most famous one, a truly incredible journey to the invented world of Avantasia.

Apart from a great storyline, the cast that this project bears is impressive. It has the all-stars from the Metal scene all across from drummers and bass players to guitars and vocalists. Tobias Sammet (Edguy) really put together a great show! And, adding to that, their only live album was recorded in Mexico, which gives them an extra point ;)

For now, I will leave a few of their songs, just to get you wondering. Next time I will go over the story! And just to let you know, here is the cast:

Guitars:

• Henjo Richter (Gamma Ray)
• Jens Ludwig (Edguy)
• Norman Meiritz
• Timo Tolkki (Stratovarius)

Bass:

• Markus Großkopf (Helloween)

Drums:

• Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody)
• Eric Singer (KISS)
• Tobias Sammet (Edguy)

Singers: (The first name is their character in the opera)

• Gabriel Laymann - Tobias Sammet (Edguy)
• Lugaid Vandroiy - Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween)
• Bruder Jakob - David DeFeis (Virgin Steele)
• Falk von Kronberg - Ralf Zdiarstek
• Anna Held - Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation)
• Bailiff Johann von Bicken - Rob Rock (Warrior)
• Pope Clement VIII - Oliver Hartmann (At Vance)
• Elderane the Elf - André Matos (Shaaman, ex-Angra)
• Regrin the Dwarf - Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray)
• Mysterious Voice of the Tower - Timo Tolkki (Stratovarius)
• Tree of Knowledge - Bob Catley

So here are a few songs, just so you get the idea.

Hocus Pocus... by Focus

Song: Hocus Pocus

Artist: Focus

Album: Moving Waves

How many bands do you know that compose songs, powerful songs, that have lyrics along the lines of "Ôi orôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi ohrorô poPÔ" and "Tatrrrepôtetretrepiecôã-é-é-ô-hã-hén-Hén"? I know only one, but I've heard more than one cover.

Focus is a Dutch band, and though you may think that this is some weird form of their language, it isn't. It is senseless, or at least so it is to the outsiders, to everyone else. Maybe it has some meaning to the band itself, or maybe they simply enjoy have a great laugh. I'd probably go for the second one! But either way, this song is great!

I am leaving you a cover version, by Helloween (One of my favorite bands), because I think it sounds better than the original one. However, if you really like classic rock, you should go ahead and find the one performed by Focus. Enjoy!

Ôi orôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi ohrorô poPÔ
Yôi orôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi ohrorô
poPÔ

Aaaah aaah aaah aaah
Uuuh oooh oooh ooooooooh

Ôi orôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi ohrorô poPÔ
Yôi orôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi ohrorô
BoumPÔ

Aaaah aaah aaah aaah
Uuuh oooh oooh ooooooooh

Tatrrrepôtetretrepiecôã-é-é-ô-hã-hén-Hén
Ôi trégueregué-dôi detêro deguedô
A tataro teguereguedaw
Teguereguedêro dêdow Ô-Éhr-Ôhr-Êhr-Êhr-Áhr-Ó
Hé Hã He How

Ãi erêrãi rãrãrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi ohrorô poPÔ
Yôi orôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi ohrorôm
pomPÔ

Aaaah aaah aaah aaah
Uuuh oooh oooh ooooooooh

Ôi orôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi rôrôrôi ohrorô poPÔ
Yôi orôrôi rôrôrôi rô

Aaaah aaah aaah aaah
Uuuh oooh oooh ooooooooh

UaaahuHahaha... Eee hi hi hááá

Johnny Got His Gun.

Song: One

Band: Metallica

Album: ... And Justice for All

It may seem odd to present the title of a novel, and a movie, as I am doing, while I talk about Metallica's famous song, "One". However, I need to give a bit of background to this song, which, as Cesc commented on an older post, is "definitely one of "those" songs which are way deeper than meets the ear."

On one hand, we have Metallica. One of the forefathers of Thrash Metal, a genre characterized by it's aggressive, angry tones. Those who are able to distinguish the different genres of Metal will, usually, imagine a crazy-eyed soldier, screaming at the top of his lungs, holding two huge machine guns shooting in every direction. It's ironic though, that most of these bands actually promote the opposite, and their sardonic lyrics are full of scorn for war and corruption.

On the other hand, we have the American novelist and screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. Trumbo's novel, Johnny Got His Gun, is a pacifist novel that opposed World War II (It was published in 1939). In the novel, Trumbo tells the story of Joe Bonham, a soldier who wakes up in a hospital after being hit by an artillery shell. Joe soon realizes that he lost his legs and arms, that he cannot hear, see, smell or speak. However, his mind is intact, and thus he becomes a prisoner of his own body.

I Can't Remember Anything
Can't Tell If this Is True or Dream
Deep down Inside I Feel to Scream
this Terrible Silence Stops Me

This first stanza introduces Joe's situation, as he is suddenly conscious of darkness around him and pain. In the movie, you can hear Joe's voice saying "How can you tell what's a dream and what's real, when you can't even tell when you're awake and when you're asleep?" A main theme throughout Trumbo's novel is Joe's need to communicate, to escape his living prison.

Now That the War Is Through with Me
I'm Waking up I Can Not See
That There's Not Much Left of Me
Nothing Is Real but Pain Now

At the beginning of the movie/novel, Joe believes that he cannot move his arms or legs, that he cannot see, talk or hear, because of the instruments used to heal him. It is not until the doctors begin to remove stitches from his shoulders and torso that he realizes he has lost most of his body.

In the story, every doctor in the hospital believe that Joe doesn't have a conscious brain anymore, and that Joe cannot feel anything, either pain or pleasure, joy or sadness. It is on this belief that he is left under such terrible condition, without any attempt to help him.

Hold My Breath as I Wish for Death
Oh Please God,wake Me

Joe tries to kill himself by holding his breath. However, he fails to do so because of a machine that pumps oxygen into his lungs. In his dreams, Joe recurrently speaks to Jesus, and asks him to help him out, to take the darkness away.

Back in the Womb its Much Too Real
in Pumps Life That I must Feel
but Can't Look Forward to Reveal
Look to the Time When I'll Live

To be "back in the womb" is, for Joe, to re-live his life, to create himself again. Because he cannot interact at all with with exterior, Joe is forced to live in his memories. However, it is those memories that make Joe's situation more vivid, as it pumps the life he must feel. And yet, by this point Joe knows he cannot go forward, that there isn't much left for him.

Fed Through the Tube That Sticks in Me
Just like a Wartime Novelty
Tied to Machines That Make Me Be
Cut this Life off from Me

Though the second line of the stanza may seem a bit odd, it adds up much of the novel. Joe wished that he was either killed, by cutting of the tubes that kept him alive, or that he was shown to the world. The latter being so everyone could see the horrors that war brought with itself, since at the time, Nationalism was still on the rise, and many saw war as a glorious matter (Remember, Johnny Got His Gun is an anti-war novel).

Hold My Breath as I Wish for Death
Oh Please God,wake Me

Now the World Is Gone I'm Just One
Oh God,help Me Hold My Breath as I Wish for Death
Oh Please God Help Me

These lines depict the despair that Trumbo wanted to convey in the first place. Joe is one because there is nothing else for him. All is lost, and there isn't any chance to regain what he has lost.

Darkness
Imprisoning Me
All That I See
Absolute Horror
I Cannot Live
I Cannot Die
Trapped in Myself

Body My Holding Cell

Here, the song takes a more aggressive turn, and it shows the frustration that Joe feels, the aversion that Trumbo felt towards the war.

Landmine
Has Taken My Sight
Taken My Speech
Taken My Hearing
Taken My Arms
Taken My Legs
Taken My Soul
Left Me with Life in Hell

The last stanza of the song simply shows how Joe is. It is easy to understand the whole song if you read the book, or you see the movie. The last line encompasses the idea that War leaves hell on Earth, as Joe is a could be anyone that goes to fight of a war.

You can actually watch Johnny Got His Gun on Youtube. It's quite a harsh movie, but I recommend it. There is also a new, 2008 version, but I have no idea where to get it.

The music video of the song has many images from the movie itself. Try to pay attention to what he says, as it correlates with the lyrics in many ways.

Rust in Peace.

20 years ago, Megadeth released their most famous album, Rust in Peace. The album redefined what was beginning to be known as Thrash Metal.
This month, Megadeth is doing a tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary, and to celebrate, David Ellefson, the longest member of Megadeth apart from Dave Mustaine, came back! And the best thing is, he will probably stay! It's an great moment for Megadeth fans, both long standing and new ones!

But that's not it. If you look at the promotional poster (Taken straight from the Megadeth website) you can see who they are touring with. Testament and Exodus, two Thrash Metal bands, that are awesome. However, they would deserve their own posts each, so I'll stop for now.

To commemorate this event, here are three videos. They are my three favorite songs from the album.

Tornado Of Souls (Live in Argentina):


I must admit, his voice really sounds HORRIBLE live. The good thing is, it proves they aren't fake

Hangar 18:


And you can hear the difference in his voice. Remember, that live concert was 17 years after the original was recorded.

Holy Wars... The Punishment Due (Live in Argentina):


And I leave you with yet another live version. Those stingy Youtubers disabled embedding for the studio versions. But you can always go yourself and watch them. Don't be so lazy!