Frontiers Music Srl recently announced the return of Timo Tolkki’s Avalon with the release of the long-awaited third chapter in his metal opera, “Return To Eden”, on June 14. Today, the lyric video for the second single, ‘Hear My Call’, featuring Anneke Van Giersbergen (Vuur, ex The Gathering) on lead vocals, has been made available. The video can be watched below.
Five years in the making, “Return To Eden” marks a new return for the legendary ex-Stratovarius guitarist and composer Timo Tolkki. Following a few personal issues which forced him to take a step back from the spotlight, Timo started the writing process for the new album and with the help of the Italian producer Aldo Lonobile (Secret Sphere), completed this outstanding comeback album. A convincing and inspired release, Timo‘s hunger to create is stronger than ever. As with previous releases, a slew of heavyweight guest vocalists were brought in to handle lead vocal duties. “Return To Eden” features appearances by renowned Dutch singer Anneke Van Giersbergen (ex-The Gathering), Zak Stevens (ex-Savatage), Todd Michael Hall (Riot V), Mariangela Demurtas (Tristania, Ardours), and Eduard Hovinga(ex-Elegy).
“I would like to say… Tolkki is back!” exclaims Timo. “I feel that this is one of my best works to date and I believe the whole cast of singers and musicians truly went above and beyond the call of duty. We managed to create a really great record. I hope the fans will like it.”
Tolkki has traveled a hard road to get to today, but he is back and more determined than ever to take back his rightful place in the metal scene that he so much deserves after all these years.
Formed in the autumn of 2012, Timo Tolkki’s Avalon released its debut album, “The Land Of New Hope”, in May 2013. A follow-up effort, “Angels Of The Apocalypse”, was issued in May 2014.
Although Avalon has been described by the media as a metal opera, it really is a vehicle for former Stratovarius guitarist Timo Tolkki to express his music in various formats using high-quality musicians. It doesn’t have a permanent lineup except for Tolkki.
The project’s name comes from the film “The Mists Of Avalon”, which tells the story of King Arthur. The film describes Avalon as a place likened to “heaven” that normal mortals cannot see and it is divided by mist. It is one of Tolkki‘s favorite films.
“Return To Eden” track listing:
01. Enlighten
02. Promises (feat. Todd Michael Hall)
03. Return To Eden (feat. Mariangela Demurtas, Zachary Stevens, & Todd Michael Hall)
04. Hear My Call (feat. Anneke Van Giersbergen)
05. Now and Forever (feat. Todd Michael Hall)
06. Miles Away (feat. Zachary Stevens)
07. Limits (feat. Eduard Hovinga)
08. We Are The Ones (feat. Anneke Van Giersbergen)
09. Godsend (feat. Mariangela Demurtas)
10. Give Me Hope (feat. Eduard Hovinga)
11. Wasted Dreams (feat. Zachary Stevens)
12. Guiding Star (feat. Mariangela Demurtas)
Timo Tolkki – Lead Guitar, Bass
Andrea Buratto – Bass
Antonio Agate – Piano, Keyboards
Giulio Capone – Drums, Piano, Keyboards
Jami Huovinen – Drums
Aldo Lonobile – Guitar
Santtu Lehtiniemi – Additional Guitars
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Lyric video for ‘Hear My Call’
Video for ‘Promises’
Video for “Return To Eden” (trailer)
