TOBIAS SAMMET'S AVANTASIA the scarecrow MICP-10710

A Symphonic Metal Masterpiece: Avantasia’s ‘The Scarecrow’ (MICP-10710)

Today’s entry spotlights a monumental release in the world of symphonic heavy metal: “The Scarecrow” by Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia. We are looking at the 2008 Japanese pressing, released on the Avalon label (Marquee Inc.) with the catalog number MICP-10710. This particular copy comes complete with its original obi strip.

Orchestrated by Edguy frontman Tobias Sammet, Avantasia is renowned for its ambitious “metal opera” concept, and “The Scarecrow” is a prime example of this vision. The album weaves a tragic story of a lonely creature suffering from distorted perception and unrequited love, set against a backdrop of grandiose symphonic rock, progressive elements, and heavy metal power.

What makes this album truly legendary is its staggering lineup of guest musicians. Sammet assembled a “who’s who” of rock and metal royalty to bring the characters to life. The vocal cast includes rock icon Alice Cooper (singing “The Toy Master”), former Helloween singer Michael Kiske, Jørn Lande, Roy Khan (Kamelot), and Bob Catley (Magnum).

The instrumental backing is equally impressive, featuring drummer Eric Singer (KISS), and guest guitar spots from Kai Hansen and Rudolf Schenker (Scorpions).

This Japanese edition is the definitive version for collectors, as it includes an exclusive bonus track: an “Alternative Version” of “The Toy Master,” bringing the total track count to twelve. MICP-10710 is an essential album for fans of power metal and rock operas, capturing a massive collaborative effort at its finest.