Edguy started out in 1992 and the current line-up features Tobias Sammett (vocals), Jens Ludwig (guitar), Dirk Sauer (guitar), Tobias Exxel (bass) and Felix Bohnke (drums). Now one major quibble I have with this album is Tobias Sammett talking over each song with his views and insight on the music/lyrics. It’s interesting but let the music do the talking! Speaking of which if you like your power metal straight down the line you’ll go a bunch on this album.

Pounding metal anthems like ‘Mysteria’ and ‘We Don’t Need A Hero’. Centrepiece is the 10-minute epic ‘The Piper Never Dies’ which takes the Iron Maiden epic route throwing in special effects, time changes aplenty and guitar riffs you can shred cheese on. Good power ballad in ‘Forever’, complete with string section and Edguy pull it off well. Sammett comes all over Mr Coverdale on ‘Lavatory Love Machine’! Good time hard rocker with a big 80’s vibe. The album goes out on a high with a Hollywood styled production on ‘The Spirit Will Remain’.

Some good rockers on here plus the epic ‘The Piper Never Dies’ save the album from a run-of-the-mill power metal release. Unlikely to win them many new fans but existing fans will be satisfied and above all the band don’t take themselves too seriously and have fun with the music.

Related>>Label website

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Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly