Avantasia is big here in Norway. This is very apparent by this long queue that leads into a venue that is on a bigger side of those accepting metal acts. Among the fact that it is quite a big venue, this also means there is no warm-up today (which is awesome - there will be no half an hour break of waiting for bands to change). Avantasia definitely have enough material to cover more than one evening.

It's the Here be Dragons tour, and too late I realize that I forgot my sword, only my magic stick is with me. But I suspect that Avantasia are experienced and rumors from different parts of the world tell they are going to kill dragons with their almost 3 hour long setlist. Here be Dragons is the latest release from the band, as fresh as this February.

Kudos to Avantasia, they make a long (quality!) setlist - quite an experience by juggling a gang of different singers in all possible combinations.

Intro and then mainman, Tobi (for you, who is not his friend, - Tobias Sammet), is doing the vocals on the Creepshow. But then the guests are in from their corner (some are doing backing vocals while hiding behind the keyboards). Normally Tobi starts and then another vocalist joins him on the front. Reach Out For The Light is himself and beautiful Adrienne Cowan. This setlist (24 songs!) has a cartload of great names.

Tommy Karevik from Kamelot is next on The Witch, Herbie Langhans (Firewind) is up next for Devil In The Belfry, Phantasmagoria is with Ronnie Atkins from Pretty Maids. Suddenly to me, Eric Martin from Mr.Big is here for the next two - What’s Left Of Me and Dying For an Angel.  It is easy to lose count -  nine vocalists! Kenny Leckremo (H.E.A.T.) helps with Against The Wind. Chiara Tricarico from Ravenword and Bob Catley from Magnum (the dude is 77!!!) are on The Story Ain’t Over. And then it mixes.

To me, someone who stands out of all of them is Adrienne Cowan - she was flawless, hit all the impossible notes and shined onstage!

This list is expensive - imagine having all these names in one place, and some just for some pieces of the set. But this makes it a great experience.

The whole show is exceptionally well prepared. Starting from the stage installation to the shoes of Tobias Sammet! Yes, you read it correctly - flashy shoes are what most of the audience do not see, but they are there.

The mix is good too, but sadly for me, I stand on another corner from Sascha Paeth, who does most of the solos, but Arne Wiegand also shines, and the corner with Miro Rodenberg and backing vocalists is just before me.

I can certify, Avantasia have the loudest audience I have been into (also some in the audience can certify for being the drunkest). And they - we - help the band look big. With such a powerful lineup, I would compare the whole experience to a smaller version of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra - just a bit smaller - only by the stage setting size.

A nice experience especially to someone who is into the theatrical/operatic type of rock and metal, and a fan of good clean vocals.