AVANTASIA — The Scarecrow (review)

Album · 2008 · Power Metal

5/5 · 2010-09-29
arcane-beautiful

I remember when this album came out in 2008, their was another “metal opera” out at around the same time (Ayreon’s 01001001). It really was a battle of the bands, because both albums are probably 2 of the best I ever heard. So which one was better.

I would have to say this one I’m afraid. I am a massive fan of Ayreon, and it’s really hard to choose between the two, but when it comes to strength of both albums, this album just surpasses it.

One thing that made this album so amazing (not just the song writing) was the amazing choice of vocalists. Not only did you have Tobias, and his mad shrieking, but a host of some real legends, e.g. Alice Cooper, Bob Catley, Michael Kiske, and some really under looked vocalists, e.g. Roy Khan (who could sing the phone book and it would be amazing), Amanda Summerville, Oliver Hartman etc. But the one vocalist that did it for me, is probably the most under looked metal vocalists of all time, Jørn Lande. Who, you ask! Well, the not so favourable Masterplan, ARK and Jørn singer. Yea, he appeared in both “operas”, and he gave the performance of his life. Everytime I hear his voice in these songs, I get chills up and down my back for about 2 hours. It really is the best medicine for spine problems.

The concept is also quite unique, about going mental, finding love, losing love, temptation, you know all that stuff.

Yea, this album is near enough perfect to be honest.

1. Twisted Mind - Roy’s sensual tone adds a great colour to the song. Amazing vocals in the chorus. Great build up throughout. 10/10

2. The Scarecrow - What an epic. Amazing vocal battle between Tobias & Jørn, with Mr. Lande beating him by just a hair on his hairless chest. It’s just an amazing composition. Great lyrics as well. The folk elements are amazing, and the chorus just rules. 11/10 (yes I will, it’s that good)

3. Shelter From The Rain - Great chorus, and a great vocal performance from Michael Kiske. 10/10

4. Carry Me Over - Such a pop song. Great chorus and the verses are just as good, with a cheesy build up. Beautiful lyrics. 10/10

5. What Kind Of Love - My brother is a big fan of this song, but I could never really get into it. I get what he was trying to achieve, I’m just not that big a fan of Celine Dion (what it’s pretty obvious). 9/10

6. Another Angel Down - One of the greatest power metal songs ever made in my opinion. Jørn’s vocals are just orgasmic in this song. What a chorus. Everytime I hear this song, I have to sing along, bang my head, and marvel at it’s genius. The lyrics are amazing as well. 12/10

7. The Toy Master – I’m not the biggest fan of Alice Cooper, but this song surprised me. It does get way better, everytime you listen to it. 10/10

8. Devil In The Belfry - Pretty great chorus. Very rocking song. 9/10

9. Cry Just A Little - A nice soothing ballad, with some nice vocals from Bob Catley. 9/10

10. I Don’t Believe In Your Love - I really don’t think this song needed to be in the album. It is the weakest one. Although, Oliver Hartmans vocals are amazing in it. 8/10

11. Lost In Space - Another pop song. This song is great though, with an amazing chorus. 10/10

CONCLUSION: One of the best albums I have ever heard. If you haven’t heard it…YOU NEED TO.!!!