Avantasia, the theatrical Metal juggernaut helmed by Tobias Sammet, has announced their 10th studio album, Here Be Dragons, is set for release on February 28, 2025, via Napalm Records. The album heralds an exciting new chapter for the band, promising a blend of classic Symphonic Metal grandeur and bold new elements that push creative boundaries.
Tobias Sammet describes the album as “reckless, fearless, powerful, and uplifting,” marking a return to the free-spirited creativity of his early days.
The 10-track record, entirely composed and produced by Sammet, includes highlights like the catchy opener Creepshow, the sprawling title track Here Be Dragons, and the heavy-hitting Against The Wind.
“This new album carries the most adventurous and bold spirit my music has had in decades,” Sammet told us. “It’s rather reckless, fearless, powerful, uplifting, and not introverted at all.
“While my previous albums allowed me to get a lot off my chest, this time I dove headfirst into the creative flood, crafting ten musical pictures that miraculously merged into what I believe is the tightest chapter in Avantasia’s history. I did everything exactly how I wanted it, approaching the album with unrelenting determination and a carefree attitude that was reminiscent of my early days way before the Metal Opera thing, when I felt unstoppable and just let instinct write songs.
“Right now I’m bursting with energy and can’t wait to unleash Here Be Dragons and then kick off the big tour with our new stage. We’ll present the new material alongside our classics and some rarities in the most spectacular stage show Avantasia has ever delivered. An early Merry Christmas, everyone.”
Yesterday, Creepshow, the opening track and first single from the album was released. Tobias says it is the perfect single, and MetalTalk agrees with him. “It’s short and catchy,” he said, “and it emphasizes a facet of my work that has taken a backseat in my music in recent years. It’s light-hearted and the opposite of melancholic. And it’s fresh, boisterous and unabashed – a straightforward kick-ass anthem.
“Also, even though it may seem like a reminiscence of my earlier writing, I think we managed to turn the whole thing into a trademark Avantasia tune, as we accentuated with the music video. We rented a haunted castle in North England and celebrated a night in the world of spectres and undead creatures.
“This is the most vibrant and eccentric music video I’ve ever shot in my entire career, not dead-serious, but certainly of serious quality! I can’t wait to play Creepshow live on our tour next year, I can already see the whole venue jumping up and down and screaming along.”
Following the album’s release, Avantasia will embark on an extensive European arena tour. The tour includes a highly anticipated London date at The Roundhouse on March 24, 2025, promising fans an unforgettable spectacle. Tickets are available from here.
The stunning album art, designed by renowned fantasy artist Rodney Matthews, perfectly complements the album’s adventurous and cinematic themes.
Here Be Dragons will be available in a variety of exclusive formats, including a 3-CD hardcover artbook with 96 pages of Rodney Matthews’ illustrations, extensive liner notes, and more. Fans can also grab limited-edition vinyl, glow-in-the-dark LPs, and even cassette tapes for an old-school touch. Pre-orders are available from the Napalm Records website.
