TIMO TOLKKI’S AVALON will release their sophomore album, Angels Of The Apocalypse, on May 16th in Europe and May 20th in North America via Frontiers.

A video for the first single, 'Design The Century' can be seen below. The single is out digitally today, April 7th. The video was directed by Patric Ullaeus and features current NIGHTWISH singer Floor Jansen appearing on lead vocals.

Following the release of the debut album The Land of New Hope, the Metal Opera was met with critical and fan acclaim, entering the national album charts in seven European countries, including a top 10 entry in Tolkki’s home country, Finland. In August 2013, Tolkki flew to Greece to seek the right inspiration for the follow-up album and upon his return he managed to develop a sound that is even more grandiose and symphonic and yet heavier and darker in direction as compared to the debut album. “In August 2012 I planned to release a Metal Opera that had to be a trilogy. I am following a specific storyboard in a musical format and this time the musical direction is heavier and darker than the previous Avalon,” says Tolkki. ”This was deliberate since the Apocalyptic scenes described in the lyrics demanded that."

The story: it is 2020 A.D - The Elements send 4 Angels to observe mankind and its actions in the last century. There are four Angels, but still they are One. Fire, Wind, Earth and Water are their names. With the Elements they observe in unimaginable sadness and anger the primitive events that take place in the last 150 years as they have the ability to go back and forth in time. As they give their final warning, Mankind sees unimaginable destruction that shakes its core foundations. Pandora`s Box is opened and the forces of Nature are unleashed. Is this the prelude for Judgement Day...

As for the players on the album, Tolkki finally managed to reunite the legendary STRATOVARIUS Dreamspace lineup, calling Antti Ikonen and Tuomo Lassila to play keyboards and drums respectively. “It was really nice and brought good vibes and freshness to the album,” tells Timo. “Definitely the right move.”

The amazing cast of vocalists appearing this time includes NIGHTWISH singer Floor Jansen – who takes care of the lead vocals on the first single 'Design The Century' – along with Simone Simons (EPICA), Fabio Lione (RHAPSODY OF FIRE), David DeFeis (VIRGIN STEELE), Zachary Stevens (ex-SAVATAGE, CIRCLE II CIRCLE), plus Elize Ryd (AMARANTHE) - who appears again after contributing to the first album - and the stunning Chilean singer Caterina Nix, who is working on her debut album which is also produced by Tolkki. “Some songs were written with a specific singer in mind, while for some others I decided based on the knowledge that I had on how he or she would perform. I am particularly happy of how this record sounds especially two songs You’ll Bleed Forever and the 10 minute title track are among my favourite ever,” says Tolkki.

Once again the stunning artwork is provided by the French artist Stanis W. Decker and the first pressing of the physical edition will be available in a glossy digipak.

Angels of the Apocalypse final tracklisting:

'Song For Eden'

'Jerusalem Is Falling'

'Design The Century'

'Rise Of The 4th Reich'

'Stargate Atlantis'

'You’ll Bleed Forever'

'The Paradise Lost'

'Neon Sirens'

'High Above Of Me'

'Angels Of The Apocalypse'

'Garden Of Eden'

Check out the official EPK (electronic press kit) below:

Teaser:

Musicians:

Timo Tolkki: guitars, bass and keyboards

Tuomo Lassila: drums

Antti Ikonen: keyboards

Nicholas Jeudy: orchestration

Floor Jansen, Simone Simons, Fabio Lione, David DeFeis, Zachary Stevens, Elize Ryd, Caterina Nix: vocals