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It has been many a year since UK fans of AVANTASIA have had the chance to see one of metal’s most extravagant live shows. Tobias Sammet has at long last brought his epic project back to London in what he promised would be the biggest AVANTASIA show the country has ever seen.
In terms of set length the night certainly delivers in that regard. No support slots, just three straight hours of pure AVANTASIA magnificence. Such a marathon of a set would be an endurance test for any band, or audience, but the energy in the room soars right from the curtain dropping all the way through to the end.
It’s a treat for AVANTASIA fans both old and new with the recent album Here Be Dragons, and seminal album The Scarecrow receiving the most attention and whether it’s a new song such as the infectiously catchy Creepshow, or the anthemic Let The Storm Descend Upon You, every track is performed with equal majesty and passion.
As with every AVANTASIA show the night features appearances from legendary vocalists who join Tobias for almost every song. It’s a showcase of some of the finest voices in music including Ronnie Atkins, Tommy Karevik, Eric Martin and more. Soaring higher than all the others though is Adrienne Cowan of SEVEN SPIRES, who makes the track Reach Out For The Light sound more magnificent then it does on the album. This constant rotation of talent is key to making tonight one of the most expertly paced shows in years. This isn’t to take away of course from our master of proceedings. Tobias is clearly in his element when on the stage. Whether working the crowd, playing off of whomever is joining him on stage or drawing everyone in for more sombre moments such as the track Lucifer he is one of the great frontmen of the genre.
There is no sense of fatigue from either the band or the audience. Even as the three hour mark approaches the opening of the title track from The Scarecrow receives rapturous applause. If there are a few restless people in the crowd as the night draws to a close, the grand finale ends an epic night in the most fitting way possible, with every vocalist taking to the stage to bring us a few rounds of the chorus of The Seven Angels.
There are very few artists that can manage to make a three hour show feel like it was only half that length. Tobias Sammet’s AVANTASIA’s live show is as awe inspiring as the music itself and continues to be a must see for anyone remotely passionate about symphonic metal. Live music doesn’t get much more epic than this.
Rating: 10/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in London from Sarah Tsang here:
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The post LIVE REVIEW: Avantasia @ The Roundhouse, London appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
