Hubbry Logo
GhostlightsGhostlightsMain
Open search
Ghostlights
Community hub
Ghostlights
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Ghostlights
Ghostlights
Ghostlights
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Ghostlights
Studio album by
Avantasia
Released29 January 2016[1][2][3]
RecordedOctober 2014 – November 2015
StudioGatestudio, Wolfsburg, Germany[1]
Genre
Length70:03[1]
Label
Producer
Avantasia chronology
The Mystery of Time
(2013) 		Ghostlights
(2016) 		Moonglow
(2019)
Singles from Ghostlights
  1. "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose"
    Released: 11 December 2015
  2. "Draconian Love"
    Released: 12 May 2016

Ghostlights is the seventh full-length album by Tobias Sammet's German metal opera project Avantasia. It was released on 29 January 2016.[1][3] The opening track and first single "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" was a candidate for the German representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016, along with nine other songs.[4] The Digibook edition of the album included a bonus track and a bonus CD entitled Avantasia Live, which featured songs recorded mainly during Avantasia's 2014 performance at Wacken Open Air Festival.[5]

Ghostlights scored the highest positions of any Avantasia release in several international music charts and marks the second time Avantasia has entered the US Billboard 200 albums chart.[6]

The plot of the album concludes the story started on The Mystery of Time. Musically, it shows a darker and more theatrical tone than its predecessor, which Sammet claims to have been spontaneous, not planned.[7][8][9]

Background and concept

[edit]

In 2014, Tobias Sammet stated that The Mystery of Time hinted at a sequel and the details to that sequel were announced in November 2015.[3][10]

Unlike The Wicked Trilogy, which spawned three different albums, Ghostlights concludes the plot started on the previous album.[7] The story follows the protagonist as he continues his journey with a group of scientists willing to find a way to align everybody's personality so they can understand each other and make the world a better place. Soon, the protagonist realizes aligning people is also a way of having control over them.[9] Each song of the album represents a different station of the protagonist's journey. As Sammet explains, "It's a journey where he is looking for answers for some questions about his own existence and that leaves its mark on his philosophical worldview as well. Those twelve songs represent key moments on this journey and then it's done." He left an open ending "so that people can think about the things that happen in the story. You should be able to interpret it for yourself in the end."[7]

Regarding the album's title, Sammet commented:[7]

[...] the whole concept of this album deals with questionable ideals you have in life. It depends on which philosophy of life you have. Such ideals can be very different from each other. And it's about distractions to find cross-fires on the way to find out what you really want from life.

Song information

[edit]

The opening track and single "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" was intended to have Meat Loaf as a lead singer, and his management was initially positive about having him perform on the album, but for unknown reasons they ultimately declined.[7][11]

Describing the second and longest track "Let the Storm Descend Upon You", one of the last to be written for the album, Sammet commented:[8]

[...] it's a big sounding arrangement with a lot of things that do not make sense according to the book of rules on how to compose a song. It's not very reasonable to start a song with a one minute intro, and then do a second overture, and have the first chorus after three-and-a-half minutes, but I don't think you perceive it as something that doesn't make sense. The whole song just developed.

After "The Haunting" had been written, Sammet was thinking of who could be the guest singer for it, and it had to be someone "who would be both theatrical actor, but at the same time dramatic vocalist and the song was very very eery [sic]. And I imagined somebody who should sound like a crossing between something very flamboyant and the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". He thought of Dee Snider after exploring his record collection,[8] though he considered him a non-obvious choice due to the song being very different from "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock".[11]

Sammet describes the early version of "Seduction of Decay" as "an epic heavy metal version of 'Black Dog'" meant for a singer like the young Robert Plant. The song also reminded him of Rage for Order-era Queensrÿche, so he decided to invite Geoff Tate, who accepted.[8]

Sammet compares the track "Draconian Love" to The Metal Opera's "Avantasia" and The Wicked Symphony's "Dying for an Angel". Herbie Langhans, who guest performs as co-lead singer, sung his parts an octave lower than Sammet at Sascha Paeth's suggestion, so that their voices sound more different from each other. Sammet acknowledges that the result has been labeled "gothic" by some.[7]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Myglobalmind Online MagazineStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStar[12]
AntiHero MagazineStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStar[13]
Metal Hammer (de)StarStarStarStarStarStar[14]
Wicked RodeoStarStarStarStarStar[15]

The reviewer for the Myglobalmind Online Magazine wrote that Ghostlights was heavier, more mysterious and darker than the previous album The Mystery of Time. He also lauded the sound production and arrangements by Sasha Paeth which underlined singer Tobias Sammet's vocals.[12] A review by the AntiHero Magazine found that the album was one of Avantasia's "strongest releases to date" and that it featured the darkest atmosphere Sammet had created so far.[13] The German edition of Metal Hammer lauded the homogenous songwriting and wrote that Ghostlights came partially close to Avantasia's early releases like The Metal Opera Part I and II as well as early Edguy albums. The Sonic Seducer's reviewer wrote that the album had "no musical limits" and that all guest singers harmonized well with Sammet's vocals.[16]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Tobias Sammet.

No.TitleGuest vocalist(s)[2][3]Length
1."Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" 3:51
2."Let the Storm Descend Upon You"Jørn Lande ("Temptation"), Ronnie Atkins ("Magician"), Robert Mason ("Scientist I")12:09
3."The Haunting"Dee Snider ("Nightmare")4:42
4."Seduction of Decay"Geoff Tate ("Scientist II")7:18
5."Ghostlights"Michael Kiske ("Mystic"), Lande5:43
6."Draconian Love"Herbie Langhans ("Eclipse")4:58
7."Master of the Pendulum"Marko Hietala ("The Watchmaker")5:01
8."Isle of Evermore"Sharon den Adel ("Muse")4:28
9."Babylon Vampyres"Mason7:09
10."Lucifer"Lande3:48
11."Unchain the Light"Atkins, Kiske5:03
12."A Restless Heart and Obsidian Skies"Bob Catley ("Spirit")5:53
Total length:70:03[1]

Digibook edition bonus track

No.TitleGuest vocalist(s)[2][3]Length
13."Wake up to the Moon"Atkins, Kiske, Lande, Catley, Mason4:43
Total length:74:46[1]
  • Sammet sings the part of "Aaron" throughout.
The Digibook edition bonus disc – Avantasia Live[1]

All tracks are written by Tobias Sammet.

No.TitleGuest vocalist(s)Length
1."Spectres" 6:04
2."Invoke the Machine"Atkins5:35
3."The Story Ain't Over"Catley4:45
4."Prelude" 1:24
5."Reach Out for the Light"Kiske8:04
6."Avantasia"Kiske5:16
7."What's Left of Me"Eric Martin5:55
8."Dying for an Angel"Martin4:58
9."Twisted Mind"Atkins, Martin6:29
10."The Watchmakers' Dream"Oliver Hartmann4:47
11."Another Angel Down"Lande5:30
Total length:58:47
  • Tracks 1–9 recorded at Wacken Open Air 2014, track 10 recorded at Masters Of Rock 2013, track 11 recorded at Wacken Open Air 2008.[17]
  • The Deluxe Edition Book of the album includes the two CDs of the Digibook edition, a third CD with instrumental versions of all the tracks (except the bonus one) and a 68-page photo book.[1]

Personnel

[edit]

Adapted from the album credits.[1][2][3]

Guest instrumentalists

Guest vocalists

Charts

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ghostlights

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ghostlights is the seventh studio album by , the symphonic power metal project founded by German musician of the band . Released on January 29, 2016, by Nuclear Blast Records, the album serves as a concept that continues the narrative from Avantasia's previous release, The Mystery of Time (2013), following a group of megalomaniac scientists led by a misanthropic occultist who seek to manipulate individual perceptions of time and impose control on society. The protagonist, a young agnostic scientist, grapples with themes of morality, faith versus knowledge, power, and spirituality amid a fast-paced, disillusioned modern world. Composed, written, and produced entirely by Sammet—with musical contributions from guitarist , orchestrator Michael Rodenberg, drummer Felix Bohnke, and bass by Tobias Sammet and —the album blends symphonic elements, heavy riffs, and melodic hooks characteristic of , while incorporating diverse influences ranging from gothic atmospheres to bombastic epics. It features 12 tracks on the standard edition, including the title song "Ghostlights" and extended pieces like the 12-minute "Seduction of Decay," with a runtime of approximately 70 minutes; a digipak edition adds a bonus track, "Wake Up to the Moon." A hallmark of Avantasia's albums, Ghostlights boasts an all-star lineup of guest vocalists, enhancing its operatic scope with performances from (on "Let the Storm Descend Upon You"), (on "Unchain the Light"), (on multiple tracks including "The Haunting"), ("Seduction of Decay"), ("Isle of Evermore"), Herbie Langhans ("Draconian Love" and "Master of the Pendulum"), ("A Restless Heart and Obsidian Skies"), Marco Hietala ("Mystery of a Blood Red Rose"), and (on "Unchain the Light"). These collaborations draw from prominent acts in the metal genre, such as Masterplan, , , , , Sinbreed, Magnum, , and , creating a dynamic vocal interplay that underscores the album's theatrical narrative. Upon release, Ghostlights received positive critical reception for its ambitious storytelling, production quality, and musical variety, debuting at No. 2 on the German Albums Chart and achieving top-10 placements in several European countries, including No. 8 in . It marked a commercial success for the project, leading to the Ghostlights World Tour, which featured live performances of the album's material alongside earlier songs, further solidifying Sammet's reputation as a key figure in symphonic and .

Background and development

Concept and storyline

Ghostlights is the seventh full-length album by , the metal opera project created by . Released in , it serves as the conclusion to the narrative arc begun in the 2014 album The Mystery of Time, extending the project's tradition of conceptual storytelling within the power metal genre. The album's storyline revolves around a young agnostic who unwittingly draws the attention of a group of mad scientists intent on manipulating time and to exert control and reshape the world in their image. This embarks on a profound journey, aligning disparate personalities among the group to counter external forces of domination while confronting personal and philosophical dilemmas. The narrative draws on dystopian motifs of control, where the scientists' ambitions lead to ethical conflicts over power and itself. Central to the plot are themes of , , and existential struggle, as the grapples with the seductive allure of and the brevity of human life amid accelerating temporal experiments. Inspired by Faustian bargains, the story explores the temptation to transcend mortal limits, questioning whether such pursuits liberate or ensnare the soul. The 12 tracks function as pivotal moments in this saga, weaving a tapestry of and conflict without resolving into a traditional climax. Ultimately, Ghostlights culminates in an open-ended resolution, leaving the protagonist's fate and the scientists' endeavors ambiguous to invite listener interpretation. Sammet has described this conclusion as philosophical rather than fairy-tale definitive, emphasizing universal questions about ideals and distractions in life.

Announcement and pre-production

The pre-production phase for Ghostlights began in October 2014, shortly after the completion of Tobias Sammet's previous project, The Mystery of Time, with Sammet handling the initial songwriting for the album's twelve tracks. This period focused on developing the material at Gatestudio in , , where Sammet composed the lyrics and music to continue the rock opera format established in prior works. During , Sammet began considering guest vocalists to enhance the album's ensemble style, reaching out early to for a feature on the title track, "Ghostlights," though the collaboration ultimately did not materialize due to scheduling conflicts. This outreach reflected Sammet's vision for high-profile contributions that would align with the album's dramatic, theatrical elements, building on the guest-heavy approach of The Mystery of Time. The official announcement of Ghostlights as Avantasia's seventh studio album and a direct sequel to The Mystery of Time came on November 13, 2015, via Nuclear Blast Records, revealing the January 29, 2016, release date and initial tracklist details. To build anticipation, Nuclear Blast hosted an exclusive listening party in on November 10, 2015, inviting select media and fans to preview the album and engage directly with Sammet about its conceptual storyline. Fan engagement escalated with the digital release of "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" on December 11, 2015, accompanied by a lyric video, followed by a teaser trailer on December 25 featuring snippets from five tracks to heighten excitement ahead of the full reveal.

Production

Recording process

The recording of Ghostlights spanned from October 2014 to November 2015 at Gatestudio in , , where the album was written, tracked, produced, mixed, and mastered. This extended timeline allowed for the integration of complex layered arrangements, including orchestral elements orchestrated by Michael Rodenberg, alongside the core heavy metal instrumentation featuring aggressive guitar riffs and dynamic rhythms. Production was spearheaded by and , with Paeth serving as engineer and mixer to capture the album's symphonic scope and vocal intensity. Rodenberg handled mastering at the same studio, ensuring a polished balance between the bombastic orchestral swells and the raw power metal drive. The standard edition clocks in at a total runtime of 70:03, emphasizing the project's ambitious fusion of cinematic orchestration and heavy riffing without filler. A key logistical challenge involved coordinating the international roster of guest vocalists, many of whom recorded their parts remotely or during brief in-person sessions due to demanding schedules. For instance, Geoff Tate's contributions to "Seduction of Decay" required squeezing in time around his commitments, while others like and delivered performances that fit the conceptual narrative through targeted collaborations. This approach enabled the diverse vocal textures central to Avantasia's sound but demanded precise communication to align takes with the overarching production vision.

Personnel and contributions

Tobias Sammet served as the creative force behind Ghostlights, handling lead vocals on all tracks, additional bass and keyboards, and co-producing the album alongside . The core instrumental lineup featured on rhythm and lead guitars, bass, and additional keyboards; Michael Rodenberg on keyboards and orchestration; and Felix Bohnke on drums. contributed lead guitars and backing vocals, while provided notable lead guitar solos, including on "Babylon Vampyres," "," and "A Restless Heart and Obsidian Skies." The album's production was managed at Gatestudio in , , with engineering and mixing the recordings, and Michael Rodenberg handling the mastering. Backing vocals were provided by , Clara Habekost (on "The Haunting"), and Cloudy Yang. Ghostlights showcased an extensive roster of guest vocalists, each appearing on specific tracks to enhance the rock opera's dramatic narrative. performed on "Let the Storm Descend Upon You," "Ghostlights," and "Lucifer"; on "Let the Storm Descend Upon You" and "Unchain the Light"; on "The Haunting"; on "Seduction of Decay"; on "Ghostlights" and "Unchain the Light"; Herbie Langhans on "Draconian Love"; Marco Hietala on "Master of the Pendulum"; on "Isle of Evermore"; Robert Mason on "Let the Storm Descend Upon You" and " Vampyres"; and on "A and Obsidian Skies." These contributions drew from prominent figures in the metal and rock scenes, emphasizing Avantasia's supergroup ethos.

Music and composition

Musical style and influences

Ghostlights is a opera that blends , , and progressive elements, characteristic of Tobias Sammet's project. The album's sound emphasizes melodic structures with soaring choruses and theatrical vocals, rooted in the rock opera tradition while incorporating heavy riffs and orchestral arrangements. Tobias Sammet has cited influences from classic rock and metal acts such as Magnum, , Dio, and , which contribute to the album's epic scope and timeless quality. These draw from Sammet's admiration for dramatic, narrative-driven compositions, echoing the bombastic style of 's 1970s and 1990s works. Additionally, the project's evolution from earlier albums like The Mystery of Time incorporates a darker mood and gothic touches, enhancing the orchestral depth and format. Key sonic features include dynamic shifts between introspective ballads and intense heavy sections, achieved through layered multi-vocalist performances that amplify the operatic feel. This diversification allows for exploration across a 70-minute runtime, marking Ghostlights as Avantasia's most varied entry in the genre.

Individual tracks and themes

"Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" opens the album with a bombastic, Broadway-inspired pop-pomp structure, featuring layered vocals and quasi-Broadway hooks that evoke Meat Loaf's theatrical style, clocking in at 3:51. Tobias Sammet handles all vocals, delivering soulful performances over shimmering strings and a majestic chorus, setting a frilly, theatrical tone with embedded hooks that grow on listeners despite some finding it campy or out of place. The track's lyrical content introduces the album's overarching narrative of mystery and intrigue, with imagery of a enigmatic rose symbolizing hidden dangers in the protagonist's journey, though specific themes remain tied to the broader story without deep individual exploration in analyses. "Let the Storm Descend upon You" is a sprawling 12:09 epic blending metallic swagger with pop and sensibilities, structured as a Kamelot-like symphonic powerhouse with midpaced metal verses building to a titanic-sized chorus and complex passages that shift from heavy to . Guest vocalists , , and Robert Mason contribute standout performances, with Lande's raspy delivery stealing the show amid emotive choirs and kick-ass riffs that culminate in a storming crescendo. Lyrically, it explores themes of turmoil and confrontation, reflecting the Aaron Blackwell's internal storm as he grapples with visions, emphasizing resilience amid chaos. Unique features include its natural flow and outstanding songwriting that balances catchiness with progressive elements. "The Haunting," lasting 4:42, adopts a creepy, atmospheric structure with a scary introduction leading into an energetic chorus, featuring Dee Snider's mature, dark, and ominous vocal delivery that adds a leathery theatrical edge reminiscent of . The song's brooding verses contrast with its catchy melody, creating a bleak yet infectious mood. Lyrical themes center on and pursuit, depicting Blackwell's by ghostly apparitions that blur reality and . Highlights include Snider's sweet yet energetic performance, though some critiques note it as mid-paced and pale compared to heavier tracks. "Seduction of Decay" runs for 7:18 as a brooding heavy-prog stomper with experimental Queensrÿche-like elements, structured around slow, pounding verses that build tension through dark power/prog riffs before erupting into a strong chorus. Geoff Tate's lively, wailing vocals provide a rejuvenated duet with Sammet, marking one of his best performances since Operation: Mindcrime, though opinions vary on its sluggish pacing. The delve into themes of and inevitable decline, portraying decay as a seductive force luring the toward in his quest for truth. Notable features include its Middle Eastern influences and heavy foundation, making it a divisive yet intriguing mid-album highlight. "Ghostlights," the 5:43 title track, channels Helloween-esque with blazing speed and aggressive vocal interplay between Michael Kiske's soaring high-pitched delivery, , and Sammet, structured around classy melodies and a future-classic chorus that shifts from quiet to heavier passages. Its speedy, joyous riffs and addictive hooks evoke power metal nostalgia, with Kiske commanding the pace gloriously. Lyrically, it symbolizes self-discovery and spiritual awakening, representing protagonist Aaron Blackwell's visions of metaphysical truths and ghostly "ghostlights" akin to , guiding him through a of existential . This track encapsulates the album's core theme of illusory enlightenment. "Draconian Love," at 4:58, blends with / vibes in a hypnotic structure that transitions from eerie, gothy verses—reminiscent of or HIM—to an explosive, catchy chorus, featuring Herbie Langhans' low, emotional intonations contrasting Sammet's wailing. The song's moody atmosphere and passionate delivery make it one of the album's most addictive cuts. Themes revolve around dark romance and forbidden desire, mirroring the protagonist's entanglement with seduction amid his search for meaning. Unique elements include its surprising beauty and gothic anthem quality, with Langhans adapting his voice effectively for a power-ballad feel. "Master of the Pendulum" clocks in at 5:01 as the album's heaviest track, with a Nightwish-like structure driven by powerful riffs, modern synths, and hypnotic rhythms that match its thematic oscillation between control and chaos, featuring Marco Hietala's shrieking, vitriolic vocals in a darker atmosphere. The catchiest chorus and complex influences akin to highlight its metallic bruiser quality. Lyrically, it addresses themes of fate and manipulation, symbolizing Blackwell's struggle against time's pendulum-like sway in his ghostly encounters. Standout features include Hietala's unusual yet fitting and massive riffs that disrupt with an unfitting yet bold chorus. "Isle of Evermore," a 4:28 slow moody , employs delicate keys and a haunting with symphonic elements, where Sharon den Adel's sultry vocals harmonize with Sammet in a tame, directionless structure that serves as a mid-album breather, though criticized for cheesiness and wasting her talent. The track's basic melody and influences recall earlier . Lyrical content focuses on eternal longing and isolation, evoking the protagonist's yearning for an unchanging paradise amid his restless visions. Despite its unimpressive delivery, den Adel's voice fits the introspective mood effectively. "The Scarecrow's Wife," lasting 5:02, delivers a fiery epic with over-the-top guitar work in a 7-minute shredder structure full of bonanza leads and riffs, blending Edguy-like energy with power metal pace, featuring Robert Mason's vindictive rock 'n' roll delivery and a highly catchy chorus. Guitar duels involving Bruce Kulick, Oliver Hartmann, and Sascha Paeth provide stellar highlights. Themes explore loyalty and tragedy in a supernatural context, tying into the Scarecrow narrative arc with the wife's perspective on loss and redemption. Its upbeat, energy-boosting quality makes it a natural progression despite its length. "The 's Dream" spans 7:23 in a complex, atmospheric prog-metal framework with melodic elements, building through emotive performances and double choruses that explore dreamlike sequences. Guests like shine in its fluid composition. Lyrically, it delves into themes of time and illusion, portraying the as a for Blackwell's futile attempts to control his fate amid ghostly revelations. Unique features include its long, well-put-together shifts and intricate songwriting that elevates the narrative. "A and Skies," at 5:46, starts slow before upbeat progression into a classic retro '80s chorus with heartwarming melodies, featuring Bob Catley's yearning vocals in a well-written rock tune that harmonizes quiet and heavier passages. The structure balances introspection with power elements. Themes center on existential doubt and acceptance, embracing life's uncertainties and dreams despite lacking answers, as Blackwell confronts his restless pursuit under ominous skies. Its heartfelt closeout and guitar solo by mark it as a potential standout. "Lucifer," closing the standard edition at 7:13, draws Savatage-inspired influences in a dual structure: a dark ballad opening that explodes into a kinetic rocker with heavy riffs, where Jørn Lande's emotive vocals carry the heavy lifting in harmony with Sammet, culminating in a spine-tingling and Kulick's solo. The song's natural progression from quiet to explosive highlights its ballad-to-power shift. Lyrical themes invoke temptation and duality, personifying as a guide or adversary in the protagonist's spiritual odyssey, blending redemption with infernal allure. This track exemplifies 's theatrical depth.

Release and promotion

Singles and marketing

The promotional campaign for Ghostlights began with the release of two singles. The lead single, "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose", was issued as a digital download on December 11, 2015, and included an official lyric video to introduce the album's thematic elements. The second single, "Draconian Love", followed on May 12, 2016, accompanied by an official music clip featuring live footage from the band's shows in . Marketing efforts were spearheaded through partnerships with Nuclear Blast Records, the album's label, which handled global distribution and promotional materials. Teaser trailers played a key role in building anticipation, including an official "Coming Soon" video released on December 25, 2015, and a snippet trailer featuring previews of five tracks like "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" and "Let the Storm Descend Upon You", shared on January 6, 2016. Social media campaigns amplified the hype across platforms such as and , where updates on singles, tour dates, and exclusive content were posted to engage fans directly. Promotional events included pre-order bundles offering limited-edition formats, such as vinyl and digipak versions with bonus live content, available exclusively through the Nuclear Blast store starting in late 2015. The visual aesthetics centered on the album artwork by Thomas Ewerhard, which depicted ethereal ghost lights illuminating a mystical, otherworldly scene, aligning with the record's storyline of time manipulation and intrigue.

Formats and editions

Ghostlights was released in multiple formats on January 29, 2016, through Nuclear Blast Records. The standard edition included a single with the album's 12 tracks, available in a jewel case packaging, as well as digital download options through platforms like and . Additionally, a double LP vinyl edition was offered in a gatefold sleeve, pressed on black vinyl for the standard pressing, with limited colored variants such as blue and orange also available. A special digibook edition was released as a limited two-CD set. This version featured the standard album on the first disc, augmented by the exclusive bonus track "Wake Up to the Moon" (4:43), alongside a second bonus disc titled , containing 11 live recordings primarily from the , including tracks such as "Spectres," "Invoke the Machine," and "Reach Out for the Light." Limited editions expanded on the digibook format with enhanced packaging. The earbook edition included a 68-page photobook (approximately 28.5 x 28.5 cm) and a third CD with versions of the album tracks, available in numbered deluxe variants. A mailorder-exclusive further bundled the earbook with additional collectibles, such as a , signed photo card, lanyard with pass, and an exclusive 10" vinyl. Distribution was handled primarily by Nuclear Blast Records worldwide, with regional variations including releases through in (as a SHM-CD with DVD bonus in some markets) and Scarecrow Records in . These editions catered to international audiences while maintaining core content consistency across formats.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release in January 2016, Ghostlights received strong praise from metal critics, who highlighted its ambitious scope and musical execution. Myglobalmind magazine awarded the album a perfect score of 10/10, lauding Sammet's songwriting as among the best in metal and emphasizing the bombastic arrangements and catchy melodies. AntiHero Magazine rated it 9/10, describing it as one of 's strongest efforts to date, with a notably dark atmosphere and standout contributions from guest vocalists. gave it 6 out of 7 points, commending the varied song structures, emotional pathos, and impressive lineup of guests that blended classic metal with catchy hooks. These scores contributed to an average rating of approximately 8.5/10 across major reviews. Aggregate user scores on sites like averaged 80% from 10 reviews, reflecting broad enthusiasm within the power metal community. Critics frequently praised the album's epic scope, with its 70-minute runtime delivering a cohesive narrative enriched by orchestral elements and dynamic shifts. The guest vocals were a highlight, featuring powerhouses like , , and , whose performances added emotional depth and variety to tracks such as "Let the Storm Descend Upon You" and "Seduction of Decay." Production quality drew acclaim for its polished, homogeneous sound, with Sascha Paeth's engineering ensuring powerful guitar solos and huge choirs elevated the overall bombast. Reviewers noted the album felt heavier and darker than its predecessors, marking a return to Avantasia's roots with more aggressive riffs and intense atmospheres. While overwhelmingly positive, some critiques pointed to occasional over-reliance on established formulas, such as familiar tropes that might not convert skeptics despite the high quality. The narrative density of the was occasionally cited as a drawback, with certain tracks like "The Haunting" and "Isle of Evermore" requiring multiple listens to fully appreciate due to less immediate choruses or derivative elements reminiscent of symphonic peers.

Commercial performance and impact

Ghostlights achieved significant commercial success upon its release, debuting at number 2 on the German Albums Chart and spending 13 weeks in total on the chart. In the , the album marked Avantasia's second entry on the , peaking at number 101 during its debut week with 2,475 copies sold. Globally, the album sold approximately 31,000 copies in its first week across various markets. It was later certified gold in for exceeding 100,000 units shipped. The album's release was supported by the Ghostlights World Tour, which ran from March to August 2016 and encompassed 45 concerts across and , featuring extended three-hour sets with a rotating lineup of guest vocalists performing tracks from the album alongside earlier material. The tour concluded with additional festival appearances, including a performance at in 2017, further extending the album's live presence. A limited digibook edition of Ghostlights included bonus live recordings from Avantasia's 2014 set, tying the album to the project's ongoing legacy. In the years following its release, Ghostlights solidified its place in Avantasia's as a pivotal installment in the ongoing narrative arc begun with The Mystery of Time, influencing subsequent albums like Moonglow and A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society through shared thematic and musical elements. The album contributed to the expansion of Avantasia's fanbase within the power metal genre, with its orchestral and symphonic arrangements exemplifying the project's role in blending heavy metal with operatic storytelling, as noted in analyses of the band's evolution. By 2025, tracks from Ghostlights had amassed millions of streams on , including over 2.7 million for the title track, reflecting sustained digital engagement. Its reception in metal media highlighted its bombastic style as a benchmark for supergroup collaborations, fostering fan covers and discussions in genre communities.

Track listing

Standard edition

The standard edition of Ghostlights consists of 12 tracks, with a total runtime of 70:03. All tracks were written by .
No.TitleDurationWriter
1"Mystery of a Blood Red Rose"3:51
2"Let the Storm Descend upon You"12:09
3"The Haunting"4:42
4"Seduction of Decay"7:18
5"Ghostlights"5:43
6"Draconian Love"4:58
7"Master of the Pendulum"5:01
8"Isle of Evermore"4:28
9"Babylon Vampyres"7:09
10""3:48
11"Unchain the Light"5:03
12"A Restless Heart and Obsidian Skies"5:53

Bonus content

The Digibook edition of Ghostlights includes an exclusive bonus track titled "Wake Up to the Moon," a 4:43-minute song written by , featuring guest vocals from , , , , and Robert Mason. This track, with its melodic rock influences and multi-vocalist arrangement, was crafted as an additional piece to complement the album's thematic exploration of and , though it was not included in the standard release. A key feature of the Digibook and certain limited editions is the bonus live CD titled , containing 11 tracks primarily recorded at the festival in 2014. The disc opens with "Spectres" (6:04) and captures the project's energy in a festival setting, with tracks 1 through 9 from Wacken 2014, track 10 ("The Watchmakers' Dream," 4:47) from Masters of Rock 2013, and track 11 ("Another Angel Down," 5:30) from Wacken 2008. These recordings highlight Avantasia's live dynamism, blending operatic elements and guest appearances to recreate the album's epic scope beyond studio confines.
No.TitleDurationRecorded at
1"Spectres"6:04 2014
2"Invoke the Machine"5:35 2014
3"The Story Ain't Over"4:45 2014
4"Prelude"1:24 2014
5"Reach Out for the Light"8:04 2014
6"Avantasia"5:16 2014
7"What's Left of Me"5:55 2014
8"Dying for an Angel"4:58 2014
9"Twisted Mind"6:29 2014
10"The Watchmakers' Dream"4:47Masters of Rock 2013
11"Another Angel Down"5:30 2008
The earbook edition further expands exclusives with a third CD of versions—instrumental renditions without vocals—for the standard album tracks (excluding the bonus track), allowing fans to engage directly with the compositions. Released alongside the initial 2016 editions, these s showcase the orchestral and guitar-driven arrangements by Sammet and co-producer Michael Rodenberg, emphasizing the project's foundations. No significant reissues post-2016 have introduced new demos or additional instrumentals, though vinyl reprints in subsequent years have occasionally bundled the original Digibook bonuses to maintain collector appeal. These extras collectively boost the album's value for enthusiasts, offering rare live captures that convey Avantasia's theatrical presence and layers that deepen appreciation of its musical architecture.

References

  1. https://loudwire.com/avantasia-ghostlights-album-review/
  2. https://avantasia.com/js_albums/ghostlights/
  3. https://www.nuclearblast.com/pages/album/ghostlights
  4. https://www.nuclearblast.com/blogs/news/avantasia-ghostlights-enters-charts-4213465
  5. https://www.discogs.com/release/8035943-Tobias-Sammets-Avantasia-Ghostlights
  6. https://myglobalmind.com/2016/01/27/exclusive-interview-with-tobias-sammet-avantasia-edguy/
  7. https://crypticrock.com/avantasia-ghostlights-album-review/
  8. https://www.rockmusicraider.com/avantasia-ghostlights-review/
  9. https://www.discogs.com/release/8044405-Tobias-Sammets-Avantasia-Ghostlights
  10. http://www.metalobsession.net/2016/01/29/the-motivation-behind-it-was-simply-having-fun-and-doing-what-fills-me-with-joy-an-interview-with-tobias-sammet-avantasia/
  11. https://blabbermouth.net/news/avantasia-ghostlights-album-details-revealed
  12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MWDA-7Stbc
  13. https://blabbermouth.net/news/avantasia-to-release-mystery-of-a-blood-red-rose-single
  14. https://www.loudersound.com/news/avantasia-tease-5-ghostlights-tracks
  15. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Avantasia/Ghostlights/544996
  16. https://blabbermouth.net/news/avantasia-official-lyric-video-for-ghostlights-title-track
  17. https://www.discogs.com/master/951027-Tobias-Sammets-Avantasia-Ghostlights
  18. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/avantasia/ghostlights/
  19. https://www.antiheromagazine.com/interview-tobias-sammet-of-avantasia/
  20. https://www.loudersound.com/features/how-does-tobias-sammet-pick-guests-for-avantasia-albums
  21. https://www.nuclearblast.com/blogs/news/avantasia-more-details-on-ghostlights-4088681
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/12712122-Tobias-Sammets-Avantasia-Ghostlights
  23. https://www.angrymetalguy.com/avantasia-ghostlights-review/
  24. https://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Avantasia/Ghostlights/544996
  25. https://100percentrock.com/2016/01/cd-review-avantasia-ghostlights/
  26. https://genius.com/Avantasia-ghostlights-lyrics
  27. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Avantasia/Ghostlights/amp
  28. https://www.reddit.com/r/PowerMetal/comments/q6xski/what_is_a_restless_heart_and_obsidian_skies_by/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGYfpDCBJ4A
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZqqlJ7lkJM
  31. https://myglobalmind.com/2016/01/06/avantasia-snippet-trailer-for-ghostlights-released/
  32. https://myglobalmind.com/2015/12/26/avantasia-ghostlights-review/
  33. https://www.antiheromagazine.com/album-review-avantasia-ghostlights/
  34. https://www.metal-hammer.de/reviews/avantasia-ghostlights/
  35. http://www.mediatraffic.de/albums-week06-2016.htm
  36. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/avantasia/72260874
  37. https://guestpectacular.com/artists/avantasia/events/tour/ghostlights-world-tour-2016
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/8046721-Tobias-Sammets-Avantasia-Ghostlights
  39. https://blabbermouth.net/news/avantasia-to-return-with-ghostlights-album-world-tour-in-2016
  40. https://loadedradio.com/power-metal-13-bands-who-define-the-genre/
  41. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/1Ih0fEQQsy9EeAJbYEeQRa_songs.html
  42. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Avantasia/Ghostlights/552121
  43. https://www.geofftate.com/playlist/ghostlights/
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/8047112-Tobias-Sammets-Avantasia-Ghostlights
  45. https://www.amazon.it/Ghostlights-Earbook-Avantasia/dp/B018UZNHHO
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.