Album Review - Edguy - King of fools (EP)

King of fools is a five track EP that makes for a great little waiting-gift for the Edguy fans. One track from the forthcoming album 'Hellfire Club' (Out on March 15.) and four non-album tracks make good value for money.

King of fools is certainly the catchiest song Edguy have ever done and has huge hit potential. Given a chance I'm convinced this one would give the band a much bigger audience outside the Metal world. I found it instantly likeable and have been humming the chorus endlessly for the past three weeks. It is also one of the simplest Edguy songs ever and includes a few elements that made me sit up and go "Aargh...."
I'm especially talking about the brief vocal distortion which is almost sacrilege to such a great voice when it doesn't enhance the song in an interesting way. I'm sure it was done to emphasize the chorus, but I still don't think that it works. First Manowar nearly blew it on Warriors of the world, now Edguy nearly blows it here. This is not a a good evolution and I wonder who is next...
But alltogether King of fools is a fantastic catchy song which I can't wait to sing along to live. I just don't hope this is the general direction the new album is taking.

Now for the non-album tracks, which are all good, but nothing mindblowing. New age messiah is a pretty standard fast rocking song and the least interesting song on the EP. Nice fucking bridge at the end though...
I really like The Savage Union , which has some elements of older Edguy songs. Being the heaviest of the four non album tracks, it also has that special melodic-Edguy element that takes it one step further. The lyrics in are also positive and inspiring.
Holy Water is another great song. It has a cool vibe and the way Tobias sings the chorus makes it impossible not to sing along.
Life and times of a bonus track is, as the title suggests, a parody song with some ironic lyrics. Based on just piano and Tobias' voice, it is a pretty funny song and nothing more. I especially like the ending part with its funny little twist.

A sure buy for Edguy fans and all in all a very good release to keep us salivating for Hellfire Club.

Written by Steen
Thursday, February 26, 2004
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Ratings

Steen: 666/10

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Comment by nihilist (Anonymous) - Friday, February 27, 2004

Ah,can't wait for new Edguy album, they are excelent band,one of the best !

Comment by Mads (Anonymous) - Friday, February 27, 2004

I have just ordered "King Of Fools" by Edguy. I saw them perform in a German TV show on a channel called Pro 7. And Tobias talked with the host, the host wanted them to play a quiet song, and Tobias told him that this was a quiet song, and the host went 'crazy' and wanted to come and see an Edguy show. just goes to show that even pop fans can be converted to a Metal Head.
By the way nice keyboard intro on "King Of Fools", I think it has a cool vibe this track. I'm also looking very much forward to the new album. Mads Erdland Aanum

Comment by Vicky (Anonymous) - Monday, April 12, 2004

Yeehaa! I love Edguy.

Comment by Nina - Revelationz (Anonymous) - Monday, May 3, 2004

Hmm, King of Fools in absolutely a very catchy song, and has a good melody but in all fairness: it's too pop-like! Edguy belong in my top 10 fave bands list, and I'd expected something more...! The song easily gets stuck in oyur head but it has no lasting quality, which is my main problem. I'll surely get tired of it within a year!
Savage Union is a cool song, and written to the Edguy fans! Great!
Life and times of a bonus track is...well a not very funny parody to me. Only piano and vocals calls for some seriously funny lyrics, which is not the case. I prefer Save Us Now, when it comes to humourous Edguy tunes.
Holy Water is probably my favorite here, really good melody and still challenging to listen to. A beautiful song, and together with Savage Union what makes the EP worth buying in my oppinion.