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.