There are just a few names I recognise here, those being Sammet himself, Kai Hansen, David DeFeis, Rob Rock (although I only really know him by name) and Timo Tolkki, although also here is former Helloween singer Michael Kiske who, for some reason, is credited as "Ernie" here.
Fancy that... all the names I know are vocalists. It shows where my focus often lies when I listen to music. :-|
This is undoubtedly an impressive undertaking, and indeed remarkable considering Sammet was just twenty-three years old at the time. He wrote the whole thing, as well as produced it, and it indeed does sound gorgeous. He also takes the leading roll of Gabriel Laymann, and I admit I have never been a big fan of his voice, but he does a pretty good job here. He also plays keyboards.
As for its opera leanings... yes, we have different people playing different parts, and the story is written out in careful detail, but it could just as easily be seen as a standard power metal record if one was just to listen to it casually. No grandiose orchestration or choirs. Just some good riffs, catchy melodies (like the rousing "Farewell" and "Avantasia") and plenty of fast playing.
I don't think it's good enough to be the very best of what was now becoming a very large bunch of power metal releases, but it does remain most enjoyable, and really is a must for fans of this wonderful genre.
****
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