Avantasia - 'Lost In Space Parts 1 & 2'

After being released as separate EPs in 2007 and only being available as imports in North America, Lost In Space Parts 1 & 2 have been combined into one full-length CD. Avantasia is the all star project spearheaded by Edguy's Tobias Sammet, who writes all the songs, plays bass and sings.

As with the other Avantasia efforts, Lost In Space Parts 1 & 2 features many guest appearances. Jorn Lande (Masterplan), Michael Kiske (Helloween) and Amanda Somerville (Epica). Eric Singer (Kiss, Black Sabbath) was the drummer in this incarnation of the band.

The music on the CD is symphonic power metal with catchy riffs, big hooks and soaring vocals. There are 10 different songs on the compilation along with a couple other versions of the title track. Highlights from the album include "Another Angel Down" featuring Jorn Lande on vocals. Lande has a great set of pipes, and the song is melodic and majestic.

"The Story Ain't Over" with vocals from Bob Catley and Amanda Somerville is another good one, starting out with a sparse background of strings and piano, then kicking into a bombastic epic in the vein of a Meat Loaf song.

There are a few cover songs on Lost In Space Parts 1 & 2, including Abba's "Lay All Your Love On Me," Lucifer's Friend's "Ride The Sky" and Freddie Mercury's "In My Defense." The best cover on the CD, however, is "Dancing With Tears In My Eyes," done originally by Ultravox in the '80s.

When it comes to symphonic power metal, Avantasia does it extremely well. It's nice that North American fans now have better access to this excellent album.

(released February 10, 2009 on Nuclear Blast Records)