Avantasia

Avantasia is a German metal opera project formed in 2000 and led by Tobias Sammet, who is also the vocalist of Edguy. The project is based around concept albums and a rotating cast of guest vocalists and musicians, and it is often described as a rock opera or metal opera act. Its name combines ideas from “Avalon” and “fantasia”, and early material presents it as a world beyond human imagination.

Formation and early releases

Avantasia begins as a studio-only project originally intended as a two-album release. In its first period, it issues the single “Avantasia” and the albums “The Metal Opera” and “The Metal Opera Part II”. The core studio lineup at this stage includes Tobias Sammet, Henjo Richter, Markus Grosskopf and Alex Holzwarth, with guest appearances from Michael Kiske, Kai Hansen, Andre Matos, Sharon den Adel, Rob Rock, Bob Catley and Oliver Hartmann.

After 2002, the project goes on hiatus.

Return and the Wicked trilogy

Avantasia returns in a second period beginning in 2006 with the EPs “Lost in Space Part 1” and “Lost in Space Part 2”. These are followed by “The Scarecrow”, which starts the narrative arc later known as “The Wicked Trilogy”. The story continues across “The Wicked Symphony” and “Angel of Babylon”, which are released at the same time in 2010.

These releases feature a broad set of guest contributors, including Alice Cooper, Klaus Meine, Dee Snider, Jørn Lande, Russell Allen, Roy Khan, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Jon Oliva, Eric Singer, Bruce Kulick and Jens Johansson. Sascha Paeth is a key producer and guitarist on this material.

Live performances and later albums

After “The Scarecrow”, Avantasia begins extensive live activity, including festival appearances and a touring production documented on “The Flying Opera”.

The next phase includes “The Mystery of Time” and “Ghostlights”. “The Mystery of Time” is recorded with the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg and includes guests such as Joe Lynn Turner, Biff Byford, Michael Kiske, Ronnie Atkins and Bob Catley. “Ghostlights” continues the use of guest vocalists including Dee Snider, Geoff Tate, Marko Hietala, Sharon den Adel and Jørn Lande. Both albums chart in multiple countries, and “Ghostlights” is the project’s first release to enter the US Billboard charts.

Recent work

Avantasia continues with “Moonglow” and “A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society”, both supported by international tours across Europe, the Americas and other regions. “Moonglow” includes guest contributions from Hansi Kürsch, Candice Night, Mille Petrozza and Geoff Tate, while the later album uses recurring collaborators such as Floor Jansen, Roy Khan and Michael Kiske.

The project’s 2025 album “Here Be Dragons” features guest vocalists including Geoff Tate, Michael Kiske, Bob Catley, Ronnie Atkins, Roy Khan, Tommy Karevik, Kenny Leckremo and Adrienne Cowan, and is accompanied by a tour. Across its history, Avantasia keeps a large recurring pool of collaborators, including Arjen Anthony Lucassen alongside many of the singers and musicians listed above.