I have always enjoyed the happy-yet-raw appeal of Edguy; the fundament of the music is heavy in a classic Metal way, while the melodies often have a very cheerful vibe to them. Still, the musical universe of the band is wide-ranging, making the music go well with all kinds of situations. No matter what state I'm in, there is an Edguy song to fit my mood. At a party, I would listen to Babylon or Down To The Devil, feeling a little down, I would find strength in a song like Wake Up The King, in the mood for an epic adventure, I would put on Theater Of Salvation or The Piper Never Dies, and if I'm feeling a little goofy, I spin Lavatory Love Machine or Save Us Now.
I first got exposed to the band, when a friend wanted me to listen to an album, she thought I'd enjoy. That album was Vain Glory Opera, and I've been an Edgirl ever since! Here, I take a look back at the career of one of my favorite bands!
It all began in 1992, as four high school kids decided to form a band, giving it a name they were sure no other band would come up with: Edguy! In 1995, their self-produced debut album was released and since then, they haven't looked back!
The Savage Poetry (1995/2000)
The Savage Poetry is a typical debut; it shows potential, but lacks the professional musicianship and songwriting talent, that were still under development. It's fun to own, but not completely mindblowing, though songs like Key To My Fate, Frozen Candle and Power And Majesty are well-crafted tunes. Roses To No One is probably Edguy's best ballad, and I have a huge weakness for the lyrics; they really convey emotions I can relate to, and that I somehow relate to being a teenager, like the guys were when this was written. Young, yet insightful views is presented here, about feeling isolated and sad, yet still finding the inner strength to pull through.
Kingdom Of Madness (1997)
Just like on the debut, it is clear, that the band was still in the development phase. Mr. Sammet still struggles a bit to keep his voice under control, and sounds out of tune on several occasions. The band clearly had strong musical visions, but not yet the complete ability to make them come alive. Edguy underwent a tremendous evolution from this album to Vain Glory Opera. Then again, there's a certain charm to the album, which comes from the sincerity and conviction of the band; they clearly believe in their own vision, even though the sound quality is equal to that of a demo. An important steppingstone in the bands development.
Vain Glory Opera (1998)
A fantastic album, and the one that got me into Edguy. Listening to songs like Walk On Fighting and Out Of Control today brings back a lot of memories from a careless time in my life. This is the album, that "made" Edguy; they found a more personal sound, and the potential of the band was fully released!
Theater Of Salvation (1999)
Best album ever? Okay, maybe that's a little exaggerated, but it is easy to get carried away when listening to songs like Babylon, Wake Up The King, The Headless Game, not to mention the fantastic titletrack! This album made me go from really liking Edguy to totally loving them! Edguy was no longer another good Power metal band, but something truly special. You get the classic Power Metal feeling in Babylon, Wake Up The King or Arrows Fly, while midtempo rockers like The Headless Game and Holy Shadows show, that the band is about much more than just straight-ahead bangers. However, the real triumph lies in the titletrack! One of theses experiences where all parts melt together perfectly to create a truly magnificent explosion of sound. This song incorporates everything I love about Metal, from ultra melodic parts, a splendid sing-along chorus, energetic speed and melodic emotion. Lyrically, I find Edguy very inspiring, and especially on this disc, the lyrics are another element to help lift the album high above similar releases.
Mandrake (2001)
A very good album, but to me a tiny bit overrated. I often hear other Edguy-fans refer to this as their absolute favourite, and I can't quite understand that. While the album offers some really strong tracks, there's also a fair amount of so-so material here. For instance, the simpler tracks like Golden Dawn or Nailed To The Wheel, are a tad weaker, that what the band had showed to be capable of. Don't get me wrong, it is a real strong album, just not when compared to the two that came before, and the one that came after. Maybe my enthusiasm is cooled down by the fact that it is sandwiched down between my two absolute favourite Edguy releases.
Hellfire Club (2004)
An extremely amazing release! Together with Theater of Salvation, this is my absolute favourite Edguy-album. The epic feeling of The Piper Never Dies, one of the most diversified and powerful Edguy-tunes, is second to none! Though it took me some time to accept the softer direction the band had chosen with King Of Fools, I have learned to love this catchy tune. This is an album where I have very few things to criticize all over. Two ballads on one record is always too much in my opinion, especially Forever is quite boring, but then again, that's the only criticism I can come up with. Otherwise, this is a phenomenal record!
Rocket Ride (2006)
To me, Rocket Ride is Edguy's absolutely worst album! Songs like Wasted Time and The Asylum has some quality to them, but when I can honestly say I like the albums "fun track" Fucking With Fire best, something is wrong! Edguy tried their way with a more Hard Rock sort of sound, with simpler songstructures, totally neglecting the more bombastic and epic aspects that had been such a core element in their initial sound. And to me, it just didn't work. The nauseating ballad Save Me and the uninspired single Superheroes are some of the worst Edguy-songs ever! Out Of Vogue and Return To The Tribe almost make me cry, and it isn't tears of joy! I tried to be open minded and wanted to like the album, but I have only gotten to a point, where I can a least accept it, mainly as a steppingstone in the evolution of the band.
Tinnitus Sanctus (2008)
Tinnitus Sanctus somehow continues the direction Edguy chose with Rocket Ride, but to my ears, they just did it convincingly this time! After Rocket Ride, I was afraid Edguy would go from being an amazing band to a so-so band. That the excitement I used to feel when listening to their godlike music would turn into mere "liking". Thankfully, it isn't so! Tinnitus Sanctus is simply an amazing record, diversified, intense and magical. I think with Tinnitus Sanctus, I begin to grasp, what Edguy wanted to do with Rocket Ride; broaden their style, grow as a band and incorporate new elements without losing their initial sound. The drive, strong lyrics and out of this world melodic chorus of Dragonfly is pure magic to my ears! The song is not classic Edguy, but the choir-arrangement and overall feeling of it nods to the bands roots, and give me the same feeling that a lot of the older material. In The Pride Of Creation we find the happy, uplifting feeling I enjoy so much, again, I'll say the feeling of the song is Edguy all the way. These two songs are fresh and innovative, but still unmistakably Edguy! The more stripped down Hard Rock songs, like Speedhoven and the fantastic 929 shows that the band are not just masters of their initial field (Power Metal), but capable of making quality music, regardless of style!
In conclusion, Edguy have had an impressive career, and remains one of my favorite bands! As a live band, the guys rule as well, with tons of energy and great skill! I have had the joy of seeing them live many times, the first one being in a very small club with HammerFall, where bands are rumored to play for a crate of beer, the last time headlining their own tour. They surely have come a long way in all terms!
So, what's your take on Edguy? Favorite albums? Share my opinions? Strongly disagree? Please leave a comment below!
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