TOBIAS SAMMET Reflects on AVATASIA’s Evolving Sound And Hints At Future Tours

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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