Avantasia - Lost In Space, Part 1 & 2 (Nuclear Blast Records) - Back
Since their 2001 debut "The Metal Opera Pt 1," Avantasia has developed a reputation for epic power metal and setting a new standard for the genre in general. Avantasia is a metal who's-who featuring its creator Tobias Sammet (Edguy frontman) and an all-star cast of musicians featuring members of Helloween, Gamma Ray, and Magnum just to name a few.

"Lost In Space, Part 1 & 2" is a compilation of two different EPs that were released prior to 2008's full-length epic "The Scarecrow (highly recommended)" which feature the EP title track "Lost In Space."

"Lost In Space, Part 1 & 2" is a collection of additional tracks featuring the band lineup from "The Scarecrow." If you have heard Avantasia's music, you will notice that in comparison, this collection has a strong classic rock influence. Featured among its tracks is a very entertaining cover of Abba's hit "Lay All Your Love On Me." The album does have its heavier points such as "Another Angel Down" also featured on the full-length album "The Scarecrow." The song "Return To Avantasia" is a reprise featuring elements of "The Metal Opera Parts 1 and 2."

The thing to remember about this release is that it is a rehashing of two previous EPs. One thing you will notice is that the title track appears three times on the CD. This is because both EPs were individually released with a version of the song and the third is a previously unreleased version. In my opinion, they should have gone with the best two versions although I admit I can't decide which two that should be. If the goal was to get the song stuck in the listener's head, they were successful.

Avantasia is one of the better power metal bands of the day and truth be told this isn't their best work in my opinion. But I do admire the musical talent put forth and am impressed by the band's ability to change styles. It really is refreshing to see that progressive music is still alive and well in the world today.
The album is basically a combination of two prior releases; the music differs slightly from the band's typical sound but still holds up to the band's high standards.

Rating:
80

Reviewed By: Brian Grefrath