Avantasia - The Scarecrow
"The Toy Master" - Alice Cooper
German metalist Tobias Sammet from the band Edguy creates this follow up to Metal Opera I and Metal Opera II. As some of the German metal bands they have been influenced by Classical Music. Tobias is another one that not only plays intricate chords but at times makes it simple as to not overwhelm the listener. I'm also just amazed by guitarist Sascha Paeth. Sascha played w/ a number of bands such as Angra, Shaaman, Rhapsody of Fire, Kamelot, After Forever, Epica to name a few. Anyway the guy is amazing.

Alice does an excellent job on “The Toy Master” it sounds like Tobias wrote it w/ Alice in mind. This could fit in an Alice album it sounds so much like his style. Lyrically it reminds me of Alice's "The Last Temptation" album w/ music from "Brutal Planet" or "Dragontown".

Don't you be afraid
Come and step inside and take a look around
I'm your holy grail in your candy store...

Other artists appearing on The Scarecrow CD are Alice Cooper (vocals) , Roy Khan (KAMELOT/vocals), Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY/guitars), Oliver Hartmann, Jorn Lande (ex-MASTERPLAN/vocals), Bob Catley (MAGNUM/vocals), Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN/vocals), Rudolph Schenker (SCORPIONS/guitars) and Amanda Somerville (vocals).

A bonus DVD includes video clips, an electronic press kit, the making of, an interview & 2 bonus tracks.
The contents include: 1.Song By Song (interview) 2.Carry Me Over (video clip) 3.Carry Me Over (making of the video clip) 4.Lost In Space (electronic press kit) 5.Lost In Space (video clip) 6.I Don’t Believe In Your Love (alternative version) 7.The Toy Master (alternative version)

Plus a Japan Import includes Toy Master [Alternative Version] and Carry Me Over [Multimedia Track].