Interview by Angela Croudace
In our interview with Tobias Sammet, the frontman of power metal giants Avantasia, he revealed exciting insights into the band’s upcoming album, Here Be Dragons, and shared his personal experiences shaping the music. With the new record set to be released soon, Sammet spoke candidly about the band’s evolving sound, future touring plans, and creative process.
Though fans eagerly await news of an Australian tour, Sammet couldn’t confirm any dates yet. “There’s no hint yet, but I want to go back because the last time was amazing,” he said. He acknowledged the strong heavy metal audience in Australia, emphasising that while there are no concrete plans at the moment, a Latin American and North American tour is in the works.
One of the standout tracks on Here Be Dragons is Against the Wind, which carries a deeply personal message. Sammet explained that the song was inspired by his reflections on life and the pressures of external expectations. “It’s about staying true to yourself and saying, ‘I’ll do it my way,’” he revealed. The powerful lyrics, written while Sammet was at the shoreline of Cornwall, embody a spirit of defiance and resilience.
In discussing his musical collaborations, Sammet shared his admiration for Kenny Leckremo. He said of the singer’s voice, “He’s got no limitations… he’s a technical prodigy, and he really fits into the Avantasia style.” Sammet’s keen ear for unique voices is evident in his choice of collaborators, with Leckremo standing out as a perfect match for Here Be Dragons.
As for the album itself, Sammet admitted that it represents a shift from Avantasia’s usual concept-driven approach. Rather than being a fully conceptual album, it’s a collection of short stories that reflect his creative freedom. “It’s a liberating approach,” he said, “I just threw myself into the waves of creativity and it worked.”
Fans can look forward to Here Be Dragons blending Avantasia’s signature style with fresh elements. Sammet’s openness to exploring new ideas while staying true to the band’s roots promises an album full of musical surprises, ready to captivate fans all over again. Props to Tobias for being such a pleasure to interview, it’s hard to not like the guy and the dedication to his craft that drips from every pore. I really hope we see Avantasia on our shores in the near future.
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