Review by Krys on May 31, 2001.

No wonder that Tobias Sammet’s project Avantasia was for months the subject of speculations. Hiring the top of the crop from heavy metal world will not only get attention from metal fans but also from every person involved in the music business. What can I say, the list is impressive. Michael Kiske (nickname Ernie on the album), David Defeis, Ralf Zdiarstek, Sharon Den Adel, Rob Rock, Oliver Hartmann, Andre Matos, Kai Hansen and Timo Tolkki as vocalists only should give you a good idea of the quality and size of this project. I didn’t mention their original bands’ names on purpose because true metal fans can name them in their sleep. As for you who don’t have any idea who those people are do yourself a favor and find it out. You won’t regret it.

So what is "The Metal Opera"? It’s a concept album with a quite complex and expanding fantasy story based partly on medieval times and partly on a religious background where each guest vocalist takes over a different character, which by the way is described in detail in the booklet. Other than that, it is the best power metal album at least since Helloween’s two "Keeper..." discs if not better. Simply put, it’s a brilliant masterpiece for the ages. You don’t believe me? Then move your sorry ass from this computer and go buy it. There are not enough words to describe Tobias’ compositions and arrangements genius. The guitar riffs, the solos, the rhythm section are just amazing.

Describing each song is absolutely a secondary matter in the case of this album because each one of them is a piece of art and can stand on its own outside of the overall concept. Every song is full of outstanding heavy metal riffs and fantastically played solos. Perfectly played rhythm section and change of tempos makes it one of the most energetic and enthusiastic releases I’ve heard. You’ll be amazed by complexity of this release and at this same time by melodic simplicity of each song. One word - a killer. Don’t listen to this album with closed eyes and headphones though, because those tracks are so warm to the ears that after listening to this album you might surprisingly find yourself floating in the sky with an open heart looking for love. I know, it’s a scary thought for some metal-devils, I warned you.

Bottom Line: If you’ve never heard or liked power metal I simply don’t know a better release to start with. For everyone else, I assume you already have it or you are on the way to the store right now.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Review by Anna on March 11, 2010.

Despite the cheesy title, the actual music is not bad at all... at least, it's full of good intention. Avicularia is Brutal Death Metal, and there is much good music brewing in their cauldron. But.

It is not quite successfully translated as their playing needs to be refined, especially for this highly technical style. The drummer is capable and confident, yet lacks the clock-like perfection necessary, as do the others as they at times felt like they were lagging behind each other. This whole recording has a pretty raw sound which I especially took notice to at first, but it did not become a bother to me. This rawness is quite noticeable on the drums, who sound as loud as or louder than all the others. It was not really a bother to me as what he does is always interesting, but if it's going to be this loud I feel it MUST sound like clock-work. There are surprising elements minimally laced within this album, such as what sounds like wood-blocks, coconut shells, or that one Brazilian stringed instrument that you hit with a bow, some sort of bell, and even an orchestral exerpt to close the album. It wasn't strange at all, in fact all of these unexpected elements went down surprisingly smoothly and very pleasantly. As far as the mystery instruments, I cannot tell you what they were.
Avicularia, if you read this, please tell me the secret percussion instruments that were used. The vocals have a lot of energy and the song-writing and general riffage is quite good. Immolation influences can definitely be heard in many areas, however they do not sound like a copy-cat band in the least.

Although there is room for perfection, towards the end of the album I truly wondered how much the playing even bothered me as I found this past hour quite enjoyable. I also find the title of the last track, 'Requiem For Ego', to be an excellent title.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.9
Production: 5.9
Originality: 8.4
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.4 out of 10

Review by Adam M on February 11, 2010.

This outfit displays a very interesting slant to the Death Metal genre. They use some mind-numbing percussion as the backbone for their advanced rhythm structures. It all comes together relatively nicely although the band goes into overdrive to some extent. There is a potential for over-egotistical display, but the band manage to keep things in check for the most part. The band’s technical showcases remind of Cryptopsy or Neuraxis and they perform the part rather well. Avicularia can be mesmerizing with their drumming and guitar work in particular. They certainly keep the listener on the edge of their toes and constantly guessing what they might come up with next.

Another positive point I have with "Born To Be Vile" is that it improves as it progresses and ends strong. This is always a great way to leave a lasting impression on the listener and Avicularia does so with style. 'Requiem For Ego' is an excellent finale and brings a variety of mutating musical ideas into the picture. But there really is a constant creeping feeling that the band seems to be getting tighter as the album progresses and this gives them somewhat of a listening edge. There is the appearance that the songs might not run completely smoothly, but this is overrun by the amount of variation they throw in to keep things consistently compelling.

To top everything off is the fine drumming and fills that constantly keep the music enthralling and vibrant. The vocals aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing, but suit the underlying tunes rather well as with Cryptopsy again. I look forward to hearing more from this outfit in the future. If they continue to perform as well as a team as they do here, things will be very promising later on as well.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Originality: 8.5
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.4 out of 10