So I've listened to Ghostlights a few times now and I just want to say...
Seriously, this album is GREAT!
Loving it immensely.
I'll say this. Tobi is an amazing songwriter. I was late to the Avantasia party, but his work on these albums is very impressive. Chad, you are so right when you made this comment:
I love how Marco's song is titled Master of the Pendulum, and totally has a Nightwish vibe to it.
While I'll have to take your word on the Nightwish vibe, your point is well taken. Tobi does an awesome job of putting his guest singers in an excellent position with his song choices. Even Tate, who I did say right away that Tobi would get Tate's best, sounded very good. That's a good song that sounds kind of Ryche-ish at times.
I have to believe that their is competition amongst the guests. Between what Tobi got out of Tate, and God only know how he got what he did out of old JLT, you can tell that they are proud and reaching. Heck, even Kiske seemed to have raised his game for Ghostlights (if that's even possible).
Damn, there is some great guitar work on this. Babylon Vampyres, in particular, is smoking.
Yes, Mask, Isle Of Evermore has "skip" written all over it, but all in all...
... a Great album!!