Avantasia – Here Be Dragons (Deluxe Edition) – 3CD Review

When I first saw the title Here Be Dragons, the latest offering by Avantasia I thought, Oh great, another fantasy metal album. You know, the usual—dragons, wizards, some mysterious guy in a cloak standing on a mountain, looking like he’s waiting for a bus that’s never gonna show up. But then I gave it a listen, and let me tell you, this thing hits harder than a dragon with a personal vendetta.

The vocal power in this music is strong enough to rattle your windows, and the sound is so intense that I’m surprised my speakers didn’t file a noise complaint. However, it’s not all about fire and fury; songs like Ravenblack and The Call of the Banshee are steeped in mystery and shadowy allure.This Deluxe Edition is where it really gets you. It’s like when you order a burger, and they throw in fries and a milkshake for free. Acoustic versions, orchestral arrangements—because, you know, sometimes you want your metal to sound like it belongs in a haunted opera house.

If you enjoy music that is theatrical, epic, and showcases a wide vocal range—more than an entire season of Britain’s Got Talent—then this is for you. If that’s not your style, you might prefer your lo-fi indie playlist.

Score 9/10 .
Track List
CD 1

1. Creepshow
2. Here Be Dragons
3. The Moorland At Twilight
4. The Witch
5. Phantasmagoria
6. Bring On The Night
7. Unleash The Kraken
8. Avalon
9. Against The Wind
10. Everybody’s Here Until The End

 CD 2

1. Return To The Opera
2. Against The Wind (Piano Version)
3. Bring On The Night (80s Version)
4. Creepshow (Extended Version)
5. Reach Out For The Light (Live 2024)
6. Lost In Space (Live 2024)
7. Promised Land (Live 2024)
8. Farewell (Live 2024)

 CD 3

1. Creepshow (Instrumental)
2. Here Be Dragons (Instrumental)
3. The Moorland At Twilight (Instrumental)
4. The Witch (Instrumental)
5. Phantasmagoria (Instrumental)
6. Bring On The Night (Instrumental)
7. Unleash The Kraken (Instrumental)
8. Avalon (Instrumental)
9. Against The Wind (Instrumental)
10. Everybody’s Here Until The End (Instrumental)
    Label – Napalm
    Release – 28th Feb 2025

    For all things Avantasia, click HERE and to purchase the album, click HERE