Mystery of a Blood Red Rose

Album: Ghostlights (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The lead single from Ghostlights, this was chosen as a candidate for the German representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016, along with nine other songs.

    The song was placed third out of the ten featured acts on "Unser Lied Für Stockholm," the competition that selected Germany's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. Frontman Tobias Sammet explained his reasons for getting involved: "It seemed like a quite unusual idea to compete with anyone in art, to play music against someone. It's still weird anyhow, to play music against each other like in the Olympic Games. Anyway, who am I to get in the way of a great promotional opportunity?! Three minutes to show millions that we exist?"
  • At 3:51, this doesn't last as long as the majority of Avantasia's other tracks. Frontman Tobias Sammet said: "Although 'Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose' is a rather short composition compared to most other Avantasia songs, I wanted to embellish and amplify it with flamboyance and all Avantasia trademarks. I wanted to make it a detailed piece of fantasy art, but at the same time it was a big challenge to make that painting look inherently consistent if you view it from the distance."

    The layered choirs took us forever to record and yet nothing distracts from the main theme and flow of the song," he added. "Every time you give it a listen, you will discover something else going on."
  • Ghostlights debuted at #2 on the German album chart, Avantasia's third consecutive long player to reach the runner-up spot. It meant the symphonic power metallers were still waiting for their first #1 album.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

U2 Lyrics

U2 LyricsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the lyrics of U2?