Rock and metal flagship AVANTASIA just dropped their bombastic 10th studio album and Napalm Records debut, Here Be Dragons, on February 28, 2025! Featuring absolute AVANTASIA essentials such as spellbinding choirs and theatrical symphonic metal elements, multitalented mastermind and frontman Tobias Sammet also surprises fans old and new with plenty of intriguing fresh soundscapes. Here Be Dragons gives the celebrated Avantasia sound that has been carefully crafted over a quarter of a century an exciting and powerful spin. The new album probably the most consistent and concise piece of art that the band has crafted.  It’s solid start to finish

Anastasia is similar to Ghost in that they have been churning out quality progressive metal for over 15 years, yet are mostly unknown on this side of the pond. Ghost has finally cracked the North American nut and has moved out of clubs to headlining stadiums. Avantasia could follow suit with There Be Dragons The band’s impressive success story has seen nine previous studio albums (including the 2019 offering Moonglow that charted at #1 in Germany), gold awards, hundreds of millions of streams, as well as headline shows at all important metal festivals and worldwide sold-out arena tours with tens of thousands of devoted fans. Avantasia is not showing any signs of slowing down—soon after the release of Here Be Dragons, the band will embark on an extensive arena tour across Europe, with their past albums they have had a handful of US dates, but as of now, there are none.

With a lineup featuring some of the most legendary vocalists in rock and metal, Here Be Dragons takes listeners on an unparalleled musical journey through epic landscapes, thrilling adventures, and deeply emotional storytelling. Their live shows are simply epic as they bring all the guest musicians out and really put on a show. Below, we break down the album track by track, highlighting each song’s unique character, guest performers, and lyrical depth.

1. Creepshow (feat. Ronnie Atkins & Michael Kiske)

The album opens with an electrifying burst of energy in "Creepshow," a song that immediately grips the listener with its galloping pace and soaring melodies. It has measure similar to Tobia’s other band Edguy, and really kicks the album into gear. Featuring a powerhouse duo—Pretty Maids' Ronnie Atkins and Helloween’s Michael Kiske—the track layers Sammet’s signature storytelling with a sense of urgency and theatrical grandeur.

2. Here Be Dragons (feat. Geoff Tate & Jorn Lande)

The title track is an ambitious nine-minute epic that fully embraces the symphonic grandeur of Avantasia. Queensrÿche’s Geoff Tate and Masterplan’s Jorn Lande bring their unmistakable vocal prowess, elevating the song to cinematic heights. The operatic storytelling is front and center here.  This song brings me back to albums like “Operation Mindcrime” where you would listen and pour over the lyrics and go down the rabbit-hole of the storytelling.

Musically, the track is a masterclass in dynamic shifts, moving between soft, orchestral passages and full-blown metal intensity. Lyrically, the song serves as an allegory for venturing into the unknown:" Now you feel like a soul in a plaything, A hoop in the street beneath a dowel to beat

And you ain’t got no choice, Cause you know you ain’t free, I know what it’s like cause you’re just like me" With its sweeping orchestration and dramatic narrative, "Here Be Dragons" stands as one of the most compelling moments of the album.

3. The Moorland At Twilight (feat. Bob Catley)

Long-time Avantasia collaborator Bob Catley (Magnum) lends his distinctive, storytelling-rich voice to this haunting ballad. The song conjures images of desolate landscapes and lingering ghosts, perfectly captured in lyrics such as:" Afraid to remember, yet scared of the brume

Swallowing instant and afterglow. It beggars belief, bearing tangible proof" With its melancholic melodies and Celtic influences, this track provides a stark contrast to the album’s bombastic opening numbers.

4. The Witch (feat. Tommy Karevik)

Kamelot’s Tommy Karevik takes center stage in "The Witch," a song dripping with gothic atmosphere and brooding intensity. The track’s dark, cinematic soundscape supports its eerie tale of persecution and fate. For me it was the highlight of the album. The chorus, featuring layered harmonies, is chillingly memorable. This song is a standout due to its theatrical storytelling and commanding vocal interplay between Karevik and Sammet who really work as a vocal dual.

5. Phantasmagoria (feat. Roy Khan & Adrienne Cowan)

This mid-tempo track is a mesmerizing journey through surreal landscapes, with ex-Kamelot singer Roy Khan and Seven Spires' Adrienne Cowan delivering spellbinding vocal performances. Cowan is a standout in the live performances as well. Incredibly powerful.

6. Bring On The Night (feat. Kenny Leckremo & Ronnie Atkins)

This high-energy rock anthem features H.E.A.T’s Kenny Leckremo alongside Ronnie Atkins, driving home an uplifting message of resilience. The chorus is pure stadium rock magic:" In search of their place. They came from afar. Await the night to rain its soothing gloom" Fans of classic Avantasia anthems will find themselves singing along immediately.

7. Unleash The Kraken (feat. Michael Kiske & Geoff Tate)

An exhilarating track that lives up to its name, featuring Kiske’s soaring high notes and Tate’s theatrical prowess. With a pounding rhythm section and aggressive guitar work by Sascha Paeth who is the true unsung hero in Avantasia.  Sammet gets most of the ink for the band but musically Paeth’s contributions can’t be overlooked. 

8. Avalon (feat. Adrienne Cowan & Tobias Sammet)

This emotional ballad sees Sammet and Cowan delivering one of the album’s most breathtaking performances, it is more symphonic, and truly soars. The lyrics paint a dreamlike picture of a mystical journey:" There in the distance a spire is dividing the night

Calling you into the dawn light”. With its lush orchestration and chorus vocals ethereal harmonies, this track provides a stunning moment of beauty. Cowan’s vocals are simply epic.

9. Against The Wind (feat. Kenny Leckremo)

A heavy metal powerhouse, this track showcases Leckremo’s gritty yet melodic vocals. The lyrics center around perseverance. Felix Bohnke on drums really kills on this track.  Another part of the Avantasia team that doesn’t get enough attention. His driving beat his the highlight of this track.

10. Everybody's Here Until The End (feat. Full Ensemble Cast)

Closing the album with grandeur, this ensemble piece brings together all the guest vocalists in a climactic operatic finale. Songs like this really play so well live as it showcases the massive effort that goes into these albums. So many artists all working in harmony, and playing off each other and elevating the experience. 

With Here Be Dragons, Tobias Sammet has crafted another solid symphonic metal album that should help open the door to the west for this solid Metal Band.