Perfect Combination of Changes and Trademarks - A Review of Avantasia's A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society

Avantasia's A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society continues the project's streak of imaginative hard rock, heavy metal and power metal music with an inspiring lyrical concept and a selection of interesting guest musicians and singers. However, this output offers a few fresh and welcome changes to avoid repetition and remain relevant.

First of all, this album is enjoyably short and the songs get to the point. Fifty-four minutes of running time and eleven songs offer a perfect balance with one epic tune and all others being between three and five and a half minutes in length. This album also avoids unnecessary instrumental transitions, bland cover songs or any other distractions that could potentially dilute this output's quality. Tobias Sammet hasn't sounded this focused in a long time.

Up next, the number of guest musicians and singers has been significantly reduced. Every song, except for the opening tune that features no guests at all and the closing epic that includes two guest singers, focuses on one single collaborator. This strategy makes the songs sound balanced, fluid and focused.

Another element that might not please fans of old date is that this album strongly aims for commercial rock territories and even openly flirts with pop elements. The production blends in fittingly in that regard, focusing on the vocal performances and increasing the impact of keyboard layers and melodic guitar play while the rhythm section around bass guitar, drums and percussion is at times missing oomph. This album is certainly the most accessible one in the project's timeline for people who usually prefer rock music over different metal subgenres.

The album includes a few noteworthy highlights. Atmospheric opener ''Welcome to the Shadows'' takes its time to establish the record's emotional mood and convinces with simple yet moving keyboard passages and an inspired vocal performance by Tobias Sammet who proves once more that he can shine on his own.

Another significant highlight is the record's heaviest song ''The Wicked Rule the Night'', a fast-paced heavy metal stomper with guest vocals by Primal Fear's Ralf Scheepers whose gritty performance offers a healthy dose of relentless energy.

Floor Jansen's dynamic, passionate and skillful voice is at last appropriately used in the concise, energetic and heavy ''Kill the Pain Away''. This unique vocalist has so much more to offer than performing cozy ballads. Nightwish band leader Tuomas Holopainen should take some notes here.

The closing epic ''Arabesque'' lives up to its expectations, offering several dynamic changes in pace and style without ever sounding confusing or overstaying its welcome. Regular cooperators Michael Kiske and Jorn Lande prove that they are still among the world's greatest heavy and power metal singers and harmonize wonderfully with project leader Tobias Sammet. The use of orchestrations and even bagpipe sounds adds an atmospheric depth to the album closer that makes it worth being discovered time and again.

At the end of the day, Avantasia's A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society might not be as strong as its dynamic immediate predecessor Moonglow but still qualifies for a midfield position in Avantasia's stunning discography. If you appreciated the band's last three studio records, you should also appreciate this new effort. Those who have been expecting a return to the project's early power metal days might however want to sit this one out. On the other side however, potential newcomers who usually prefer listening to imaginative pop music and moving rock sounds might as well give this album a try and discover the fascinating world of Avantasia.

Final rating: 80%