Happy Birthday The Wicked Symphony, the twin of Angel Of Babylon, that both were released 16 years ago. Anniversary after anniversary, seems like we release too many albums in spring. 😂
Happy Birthday THE MYSTERY OF TIME. The album was released 13 years ago and went straight to number 2 a week later, quite a respectable result back in the day when the music business was still intact and artists were making money from art. I still have so many great memories when I listen to it or just look at the magnificent artwork of the great Rodney Matthews. It was a different approach, we wanted everything to sound as analogue as possible, the symphonic Babelsberg film orchestra, the drums, the guitars, everything. And I approached the album a bit like a Rock Opera with a story, of which I admit it was more based on feelings and the plot was hard to follow for many. But those songs speak for themselves I guess. The first single "Sleepwalking" was a brave choice I think in hindsight, a bit like A-Ha in the shell of a Rock song, but the album had many Metal tunes as well. And the album also introduced Ronnie Atkins of the Pretty Maids and Eric Martin of Mr. Big to the world of Avantasia, two amazing singers that have become real close friends of mine... and if anything, just this makes the album extremely precious for me. It also features the great Joe Lynn Turner and my good old friend Biff Byford of the mighty Saxon, a collaboration that had been long overdue. A great cast and great additions to the Avantasia family, that helped make it a very special album to me. Edit: the limited edition also features a bonus track called The Cross And You, and if I listen to that song today, I can feel it was a harbinger of inviting Geoff Tate a couple of years later. I can tell I had Geoff in mind when I sang this song, as he has always had a big influence on me, I just sound like I wanted to sing that one with Geoff's voice. 😊 Which is your favourite track off of The Mystery Of Time?
This summer will be absolutely magical! Avantasia will be playing a limited number of shows before heading into a longer break from touring / live shows, so if you want to experience the spectacle live one more time before that, make sure you don’t miss it. It’s going to be phenomenal! Who’s joining us where?
A belated Happy Birthday to my friend and out-of-this-world voice Geoff Tate! Not only a great singer but a humble, funny and very lovely person. I can't count the occasions I tried sing Take Hold of the flame and all those Queensryche classics in my bed room as a child. I may have failed much to the annoyance of my family in the room next door, but it was a great school. Geoff, thanks for your friendship and for all you've given Avantasia. And hopefully all you give for us in th future, on your own journey and in Avantasia! Love, Tobi
Such a magical year! I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for the wonderful time we shared together - beginning with the release of the new Avantasia album „Here Be Dragons“ at the beginning of the year and the overwhelming, heartwarming response you have given it, followed by an indescribable tour across Europe, a fantastic exclusive show in Japan and finally a truly unforgettable finale in Latin America. I can hardly put into words how much it means to me to experience these moments with all of you and to share them alongside my fantastic band and crew: My second family! I never take any of this for granted. With both a smile and a tear, I am already looking toward the shows next summer, knowing they will be the last ones before Avantasia goes into a longer live break. I love you all, Tobi!
Summer 2026 is shaping up to be something truly magical. I’m excited to announce that Avantasia will return to Spain in 2026. On August 29th we’ll be bringing our show to the Sun and Thunder Festival in Fuengirola. Playing a festival by the sea, under the Spanish summer sky, is something truly special and I can’t wait to come back to your beautiful country! España - ¡nos vemos pronto!
And the summer journey continues! I’m thrilled to finally share that we’ll be coming back to Sweden next year. On July 31, 2026, Avantasia will hit the Skogsröjet Festival in Rejmyre, and I honestly can’t wait to return to this beautiful country and feel that incredible Scandinavian festival spirit again.
We’re not done yet with adding more shows for summer 2026! I’m happy to share that Avantasia will return to France next year. On June 5th we’ll be part of Heavy Week-End in Nancy, and I’m really looking forward to bringing the show back to our friends there. France, nous vous aimons!
After the last announcement of the summer shows for next year, many of you asked for more - and we heard you! Avantasia will return to Italy and Bulgaria in 2026. On June 8th we’ll play the Arena Alpe Adria in Lignano, Italy, and on June 10th we’ll bring the magic to Sofia, Bulgaria at the Asics Arena. And let’s see… maybe there’s still more to come?
Summer 2026 is going to be magical! After announcing Metalfest in Pilsen and the Hessentag in Fulda, I’m even more excited to add Tettnang, Regensburg, Pratteln and Winterbach to the list. I can’t wait to share more evenings filled with energy, emotion and that unmistakable Avantasia spirit. Where will we see you? And where would you like to see Avantasia next? There‘s more to come!
avantasiaofficial
Happy Birthday The Wicked Symphony, the twin of Angel Of Babylon, that both were released 16 years ago. Anniversary after anniversary, seems like we release too many albums in spring. 😂
Not only it was the album that featured Klaus Meine of the Scorpions and Russell Allen of Symphony X, it also marked the return of the late André Matos of Angra and Shaman, a friend that we'll never forget. André did an amazing job on Blizzard On A Broken Mirror, a little epic with a great synthesizer sound scape, that starts quite atmospheric and calm and theoughout the song developes into a real powerful Metal anthem. A real gem I think, that never really got the attention it deserves.
What is your favourite song on the album?
1 month ago | [YT] | 1,043
View 35 replies
avantasiaofficial
Happy Birthday THE MYSTERY OF TIME.
The album was released 13 years ago and went straight to number 2 a week later, quite a respectable result back in the day when the music business was still intact and artists were making money from art.
I still have so many great memories when I listen to it or just look at the magnificent artwork of the great Rodney Matthews.
It was a different approach, we wanted everything to sound as analogue as possible, the symphonic Babelsberg film orchestra, the drums, the guitars, everything.
And I approached the album a bit like a Rock Opera with a story, of which I admit it was more based on feelings and the plot was hard to follow for many.
But those songs speak for themselves I guess. The first single "Sleepwalking" was a brave choice I think in hindsight, a bit like A-Ha in the shell of a Rock song, but the album had many Metal tunes as well. And the album also introduced Ronnie Atkins of the Pretty Maids and Eric Martin of Mr. Big to the world of Avantasia, two amazing singers that have become real close friends of mine... and if anything, just this makes the album extremely precious for me.
It also features the great Joe Lynn Turner and my good old friend Biff Byford of the mighty Saxon, a collaboration that had been long overdue. A great cast and great additions to the Avantasia family, that helped make it a very special album to me.
Edit: the limited edition also features a bonus track called The Cross And You, and if I listen to that song today, I can feel it was a harbinger of inviting Geoff Tate a couple of years later. I can tell I had Geoff in mind when I sang this song, as he has always had a big influence on me, I just sound like I wanted to sing that one with Geoff's voice. 😊
Which is your favourite track off of The Mystery Of Time?
1 month ago | [YT] | 1,045
View 46 replies
avantasiaofficial
This summer will be absolutely magical! Avantasia will be playing a limited number of shows before heading into a longer break from touring / live shows, so if you want to experience the spectacle live one more time before that, make sure you don’t miss it. It’s going to be phenomenal! Who’s joining us where?
2 months ago | [YT] | 689
View 19 replies
avantasiaofficial
A belated Happy Birthday to my friend and out-of-this-world voice Geoff Tate! Not only a great singer but a humble, funny and very lovely person. I can't count the occasions I tried sing Take Hold of the flame and all those Queensryche classics in my bed room as a child. I may have failed much to the annoyance of my family in the room next door, but it was a great school. Geoff, thanks for your friendship and for all you've given Avantasia. And hopefully all you give for us in th future, on your own journey and in Avantasia! Love, Tobi
4 months ago | [YT] | 784
View 14 replies
avantasiaofficial
Such a magical year! I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for the wonderful time we shared together - beginning with the release of the new Avantasia album „Here Be Dragons“ at the beginning of the year and the overwhelming, heartwarming response you have given it, followed by an indescribable tour across Europe, a fantastic exclusive show in Japan and finally a truly unforgettable finale in Latin America. I can hardly put into words how much it means to me to experience these moments with all of you and to share them alongside my fantastic band and crew: My second family! I never take any of this for granted. With both a smile and a tear, I am already looking toward the shows next summer, knowing they will be the last ones before Avantasia goes into a longer live break. I love you all, Tobi!
4 months ago | [YT] | 1,389
View 40 replies
avantasiaofficial
Summer 2026 is shaping up to be something truly magical. I’m excited to announce that Avantasia will return to Spain in 2026. On August 29th we’ll be bringing our show to the Sun and Thunder Festival in Fuengirola. Playing a festival by the sea, under the Spanish summer sky, is something truly special and I can’t wait to come back to your beautiful country! España - ¡nos vemos pronto!
5 months ago | [YT] | 376
View 10 replies
avantasiaofficial
And the summer journey continues! I’m thrilled to finally share that we’ll be coming back to Sweden next year. On July 31, 2026, Avantasia will hit the Skogsröjet Festival in Rejmyre, and I honestly can’t wait to return to this beautiful country and feel that incredible Scandinavian festival spirit again.
5 months ago | [YT] | 481
View 8 replies
avantasiaofficial
We’re not done yet with adding more shows for summer 2026! I’m happy to share that Avantasia will return to France next year. On June 5th we’ll be part of Heavy Week-End in Nancy, and I’m really looking forward to bringing the show back to our friends there. France, nous vous aimons!
6 months ago | [YT] | 507
View 13 replies
avantasiaofficial
After the last announcement of the summer shows for next year, many of you asked for more - and we heard you! Avantasia will return to Italy and Bulgaria in 2026. On June 8th we’ll play the Arena Alpe Adria in Lignano, Italy, and on June 10th we’ll bring the magic to Sofia, Bulgaria at the Asics Arena. And let’s see… maybe there’s still more to come?
6 months ago | [YT] | 510
View 15 replies
avantasiaofficial
Summer 2026 is going to be magical! After announcing Metalfest in Pilsen and the Hessentag in Fulda, I’m even more excited to add Tettnang, Regensburg, Pratteln and Winterbach to the list. I can’t wait to share more evenings filled with energy, emotion and that unmistakable Avantasia spirit. Where will we see you? And where would you like to see Avantasia next? There‘s more to come!
6 months ago | [YT] | 616
View 25 replies
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