After Klaus Meine (Scorpions), Ripper Owens (ex-Judas Priest), Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween), Jorn Lande (Masterplan), Russell Allen (Symphony X), Bob Catley (Magnum), Eric Singer (KISS), Jens Johansson (Stratovarius), Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody), Felix Bohnke (Edguy) and Producer Sascha Paeth (ex-Heavens Gate) Tobias is ready to announce another guest star for his forthcoming Avantasia epic: Long time buddy and music-partner-in-crime Andre Matos.Matos became famous amongst Metal fans around the globe as the frontman and primary composer of Brazilian Neo classic Metal pioneers 'Angra' with whom he recorded several Gold albums. Tobias met Andre in 1999 when Edguy supported his band on a French tour, and he immediately invited his Brazilian counterpart to sing a guest role on Avantasia's "The Metal Opera 1 & 2". Sometime later Tobias returned the favor with a special guest appearance on one of Andre's CDs as well as on a DVD. The returning of favors has gone on and on, and the tradition has lasted to this day as Tobias puts it: "In 2008 Andre was part of the Avantasia Live ensemble when we played the world tour which culminated in a headlining show in Wacken in front of more than 100.000 people. Half a year later we invited Andre and his band to be special guest on the first leg of Edguy's European tour. I mean, we have known each other for over ten years now, our paths have crossed countless times, and I remember Andre had a huge influence for me in the early 90s when we founded Edguy.
He was the key member in one of the few bands who dared to play traditional Melodic Metal when Nirvana and Pear Jam had killed any form of music that I loved. It was great for Edguy and me to be able to tour France with him in the late 90s. That was the time when we built the foundation for a strong relationship with Andre, with Brazil, and - not to forget - a very successful one with France! Now Andre is my guest again and I am really happy about this collaboration. He is special singer with a unique voice and he is a real friend and a class act! I am happy that our paths have crossed once again, his performance is great and am looking forward to hear people's opinion on it!"
The new chapters of Avantasia will be called "The Wicked Symphony" and "Angel Of Babylon". On April 3rd, 2010 they will be released as two separate albums and in a limited deluxe edition - in one box set!
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