Avantasia , who will be performing at the Bangers Open Air 2025 at the Memorial da América Latina in São Paulo, has been posting a series of updates on their social media accounts regarding their upcoming album.
Tobias Sammet , creator of the metal opera Avantasia , is explaining his new album Here Be Dragons , with a release date of February 28, 2025.
The musician also highlights the special guest appearances on each song in his periodic posts. The exciting news is that many of the artists featured on his new tracks will also be at this year's Banger Open Air, including Ronnie Atkins from Pretty Maids Tommy Karevik , the vocalist of Kamelot .
It's also worth remembering that Avantasia's latest lyric video, for the track "Against The Wind," featured Kenny Leckremo from HEAT , as published here on Wikimetal .
Below, you can find the stories behind the tracks "Phantasmagoria" and "The Witch," told by Sammet himself on his official Instagram
Avantasia and Ronnie Atkins in “Phantasmagoria”“
Tobias explains “Phantasmagoria,” a collaboration with Ronnie Atkins of Pretty Maids: “Another song that I would consider an upbeat track, although it has a rhythm that still gave us room for groove and power.”
“When I listen to it now, some time after its creation, I think I can see my passion for Iron Maiden's faster songs shining through here. Still, it's as Avantasia as it gets.”
The musician continues, “I like the unusual key change in the booming chorus because, although it’s very melodic and accessible, each line of the chorus has a different main key. I wouldn’t call it progressive, but it’s definitely quite unusual. And at the same time, it doesn’t bother you when you sing the melody. Quite clever (laughs)!”
“One of my best friends in music is my vocal partner on this track, the true king of Denmark, the great Ronnie Atkins, from the mighty Pretty Maids. I remember when I played the track for Ronnie during the Avantasia tour, and I asked if it was within his vocal range. He tested it right then and there, in the public area of our hotel, and as all the other guests could witness – Yes, it was within his range, as long as he sang loud and heavy! We're going to show this to everyone on tour!!!”, Sammet concluded.
Kamelot's Tommy Karevik in 'The Witch‘
According to Tobias Sammet, the track “The Witch” “is dark, mid-tempo, with a great catchy and memorable chorus, but also full of peculiar twists.”
"The atmosphere of this song is truly dark and intense, transporting the listener to a mysterious and different place. It even includes some almost cinematic elements."
He further emphasizes that, on this track, Tommy Karevik of Kamelot "delivers a chilling performance here, which is nothing short of magnificent, and also dark!"
“Tommy loved the track immediately and said it represents Avantasia at its best. That was incredible to hear!” said the singer.
Finally, he says: “When everyone involved loves what we’re doing and believes in the project, there couldn’t be a better foundation for a great result. I can’t wait for Tommy and I to perform this song together. Including on the upcoming arena tour, with a stage design that will do justice to the haunting atmosphere of the song.”
Avantasia: New video coming soon?
On February 2nd, 2025, on the band's Instagram, another message and a question for the fans:
Greetings from the United Kingdom – the eccentric wizard 'Av' (Tobias Sammet) in his haunted abode… Another spooky shot for a song from Avantasia's tenth album, Here Be Dragons .
Along with a photo of the singer, wearing an outfit similar to the one used in the first video for the new track "Creepshow," is a question: "Which song do you think we filmed the video for?"
Sammet continues: “Everything is incredible at the moment: the first shows are selling out, the limited editions of the album are selling out, the press loves the album… Two very different singles showcase the diversity of Avantasia and are receiving more love and radio airplay than ever before!”
“This is the most exciting and powerful phase of my career so far. Everything is falling into place perfectly! Thank you all so much, have a great Sunday and I can't wait to see you on tour!”, the musician concludes.
Check out the making-of video for “Creepshow” on the band's official Instagram:
Tickets for Bangers Open Air, which will take place on May 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 2025, in São Paulo, are still available on the Clube do Ingresso website .
READ ALSO: Bangers Open Air releases schedule; check it out here
