It appears that EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet, gifted with a massive charisma, has contributed to the band's success by attracting large crowds from all corners of Europe. Obviously the same rules apply to his side project, AVANTASIA. Over the years, prestigious guests such as Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN, PLACE VENDOME), Jorn lande (ex-MASTERPLAN), Kai HANSEN (GAMMA RAY, ex-HELLOWEEN, ex-IRON SAVIOR), Sharon Del Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION), Timo Tolkki (STRATOVARIUS), Rob Rock have participated in AVANTASIA. The list is way too long to keep up with. On this new release, "The Scarecrow", Mr. Alice Cooper himself lends his voice to the mix. As well, this time around, one thing has changed with drummer Eric Singer (KISS) becoming a full-time member of the project.

On this album, there seems to be a difference in the atmosphere - a much darker approach to the music. Gone are the elves and wizards, which this time around are replaced with what looks like devastated scenery, something that might as well have been used as an illustration for one of Stephen King's novels with the creepiest looking scarecrow on the cover. This is why there is no surprise with the very heavy opening song, "Twisted Mind", which starts the set in an unusual aggressive manner, followed by the title track - also the highlight of this album - with very appealing Celtic fiddle parts. However, tunes such as "Shelter From The Rain" and the very hair Metal band-styled "Carry Me Over" (which could also be part of EDGUY's catalogue) will help fans to find what they've always been used to as far as Sammet's cheery personality goes.

There is an interesting approach on the ballad "What Kind Of Love", where Sammet performs a duet with Amanda Somerville (AINA) before being followed-p the Power Metal jewel "Another Angel Down". Don’t be surprised if "The Toy Master" sounds like the lost track from HELLOWEEN's "The Dark Ride". From then on the set takes you on a musical roller coaster by turning the aggressive factor up a few notches with "Devil In The Belfry" and then down again on the album's second ballad, "Cry Just A Little". Then it head's back up again on "I Don't Believe In Your Love" before concluding with the more AOR-oriented, but nonetheless very catchy, "Lost In Space".

To conclude, it is safe to say that all the styles that have influenced the charismatic German singer/songwriter over the years have come out in the open on "The Scarecrow". From bombastic Power Metal to AOR mixed with Gothic and Progressive elements, every single musical influence is contained here and falls together in an efficient manner. Highly recommended to fans of the genre.