AVANTASIA - 'Sleepwalking' Video Debuts
Today (March 22nd) the new AVANTASIA single 'Sleepwalking' has hit online stores for downloading.
Leader Tobias Sammet and the band have also shot a video clip for the track which was shot in a magical forest in Germany on a snowy winters night. Tobias comments: "It was far below freezing. And there we were, standing in the snow storm for hours, walking through a haunted forest. It felt a bit like Sleepy Hollow meets Brothers Grimm, but the pictures that came out were really great and compensated for the torture."
Check out the clip below:
About the song itself Tobias says: "Sleepwalking is the most enchanting pop song I've ever written. Yes, it's a pop song, and I am the first to admit it. I love stuff like A-HA, CUTTING CREW, ENYA and SARAH BRIGHTMAN. You know, the whole album is a journey, someone said, that The Mystery Of Time is the most adventurous Avantasia album to date. What makes Avantasia what it is, is its diversity. We have five double bass songs, two big epics, a beautiful flamboyantly orchestrated ballad, and monumental mid tempo groovy stuff with big choirs. Avantasia has always been defined by its diversity and mingling of styles. It is an Epic Metal record and there are so many different things to be discovered, you have to give the album at least ten listens to discover half of what's going on. Sleepwalking are four wonderful minutes out of 60 minutes, but there is not one song on the album that can represent Avantasia on its own, it's the full 60 minutes you have to pay attention to, to grasp the magic of this piece!"
'Sleepwalking' is found on Avantasia's new album, The Mystery Of Time, which will hit the stores on March 29th and features a plethora of guest stars including: Biff Byford (SAXON), Michael Kiske (UNISONIC, ex-HELLOWEEN), Joe Lynn Turner (ex-RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE), Eric Martin (MR. BIG), Ronnie Atkins (PRETTY MAIDS), Bruce Kulick (ex-KISS), Arjen Lucassen (AYREON), Russell Gilbrook (URIAH HEEP), Bob Catley (MAGNUM) and more.
Check out audio samples below:
AVANTASIA Mastermind Tobias Sammet Discusses The Mystery Of Time; Audio Interview Posted
Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA will release their new album, The Mystery Of Time, on March 29th. In a new audio interview with Metal Shock Finland, Tobias discusses the upcoming release. Listen to the interview at
this location.
AVANTASIA - First Audio Taste Of The Mystery Of Time
The first track to be unveiled is 'Invoke The Machine' featuring PRETTY MAIDS vocalist Ronnie Atkins as guest.
Tobias Sammet comments: "I have been a huge Pretty Maids fan since I was a teenager. I already asked Ronnie to be on the Metal Opera in 1999, but he was busy back then. Last year I saw Pretty Maids live, and they were a steam train on stage, unbelievable. After the show we met and Ronnie was a great guy. Finally after 13 years, I am really proud to have him on the new Avantasia album. And his kick-ass performance leaves no doubt: It was a great decision to ask him!"
AVANTASIA Listening Session