Ever since Arjen Anthony Lucassen released Ayreon: The Final Experiment, in 1995, every manner of metal and progressive composer has tried to copy the formula to create their own compilation of famous musicians and singers around a story and concept. The formula has been a winning one for Lucassen. It has made him one of modern rock’s most famous composers. Timo Tolkki entered the metal storytelling concept album genre in 2013, after leaving the famous metal band Stratovarius, with, The Land of New Hope. Whereas Lucassen authors his masterpieces as Ayreon, Tolkki author’s his as Avalon. Both artists have been successful in the genre, and with the wealth of talent that gravitates to both of their “brands”, the genre only shows signs of growth for the future.
Under the Avalon, “brand”, Tolkki released the metal opera trilogy: The Land of New Hope, (2013), Angels of the Apocalypse, (2014), and Return to Eden, (2019).
Now, Tolkki returns in 2021, with his latest release The Enigma Birth, the fourth album, which was released June 19, 2021.
As with Lucassen’s releases, and Avalon’s past, it is often more important to know who will be participating. These metal operas allow the singers and musicians to expand into different compositions, storylines, and concepts, and provide a different sound for their careers.
Timo Tolkki’s Avalon, The Enigma Birth, is no different. It is full of talent. Especially during a pandemic, with no touring available, I am surprised there were not many of these compilations produced, last year during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many artists were without an outlet and were forced to turn inward and create more music for the future.
This wonderful composition and opera is like Lucassen’s production, a wonderful gift to us all. It is an opportunity to hear from all of our favorite musicians and singers, while they are working on their next album. Every one of the many artists included on this full -ranging concept is worthy and great to hear in another paradigm.
Though the storyline and concept of The Enigma Birth is a little hard to follow, without a lyric sheet, I don’t think that is as important as appreciating the wonderful creativity being exhibited by all.
The highlights for me were, by far, my new favorite female vocalist, from Phantom Elite, Marina La Torraca! She sings two songs, showing her talent and elevation as an artist, “Another Day”, and “Time”. “Another Day”, has some real Jim Steinman influences, which, having lost him this year, means a lot to all of us and I think Marina as well, who also adores his music.
“Beauty and War”, with Raphael Mendes, (Icon of Sin), a new Frontiers Music SrL label, band, (who amazingly sounds a lot like Geoff Tate of Queensrÿche), was exceptional. A surprising choice, knowing that they could have asked Geoff, who is also a member of Sweet Oblivion, with Avalon arranger, Aldo Lonobile. Most likely, the label influenced the choice, in order to help launch Mendes’s career and feature the sound of their new band, Icon of Sin.
“Beautiful Lie”, with James LaBrie, (Dream Theater), is excellent. James LaBrie is along with Geoff Tate, one of the best rock vocalists of modern metal. Anything he sings is immediately great.
“I Just Collapse”, with Caterina Nix, (Chaos Magic), was a very nice surprise. I will search for her and Brittany Slave’s music in the future. That is one of the other magnificent benefits of these compilation albums. You leave finding more talent than you came in knowing about before listening.
Brittney Slaye’s “Memories”, (Unleash the Archers), was another wonderful surprise, especially with all of the wonderful orchestration surrounding her powerful vocals.
“The concept of the Avalon metal opera series was born in the second half of 2012 when the Finnish composer, producer and guitarist Timo Tolkki, one of the true figureheads of the modern power metal genre, decided to move forward with his career post-Stratovarius. He wanted to work on a project which would allow him to express his musical creativity within the classic metal genre, while also pushing boundaries”.
The lineup for Avalon includes: Timo Tolkki, on guitar, composition and arrangement; Andrea Arcangeli, on bass guitar; Marco Lazzarini, on drums; and Antonio Agate, on keyboards and orchestration. Additional guitars are played by Federico Maraucci and Aldo Lonobile.
Guest vocalists include: James LaBrie, (Dream Theater), Jake E (ex-Amaranthe and Cyrha); Marina La Torraca, (Phantom Elite and Exit Eden), Brittney Slayes, (Unleash the Archers), Raphael Mendes, (Icon of Sin); Fabio Lione, (Rhapsody, Angra, and Eternal Idol); Caterina Nix, (Chaos Magic); and YouTube vocal star Pelle.
Timo Tolkki has assembled a magnificent amount of metal talent behind this impactful release. Purchase this album and marvel in the talent thrust before you in each song, and enjoy some of these new artists, which continue to make epic music into this new century.
https://napalmrecords.com/english/the-enigma-birth-cd.html