Edguy
Tinnitus Sanctus

Holy Tinkle???? Knowing Edguy, this could also be the correct translation intended by Toby and the gang for their latest recording effort. They never fail to surprise with a classic cover that has nothing to do with the title. The legendary metal jokers are back in record time, with the same ironic and irreverent spirit, but pay attention, guys, because this time they will disappoint many devoted power metallers.

Tobias Sammet is growing up, and with his little hand, besides signing autographs, blowing kisses to fans, and fixing his hair, he's also bidding farewell to the genre that made him famous. It didn't take much—apart from a functioning hearing system—to understand this when listening to the recent "Rocket Ride" and "Avantasia III", but the change of course becomes definitively clear and irrevocable with this latest CD. There's really very little power metal if by that we mean fast gallops, stadium choruses, and lightning-fast solos. The times of "Avantasia," "Mandrake," "Vain Glory Opera", and songs like "Babylon" are gone forever. Now, if what I've said is chipping away at your metallic heart, if you're sniffing (because a tissue isn't very metal) and burying your nose in your leather jacket because he's sold out and abandoned you... then stop reading because I will not inflict healthy and sharp insults on the traitor, but rather offer warm and heartfelt compliments.

On the other hand, just like master Toby, I am a false very rocker oriented, and the quality of the just proposed tracklist pleases me: and not a little. So, let's allow ourselves to be carried and invested by this wave of masterfully played melodic hard rock starting with the fiery single chosen by the four guys from Fulda, which goes by the name of "Ministry Of Saint". The guitars are engaged in a grating repetitive riff that pumps up the energy and will surely kick off the dances at the upcoming fiery concerts of these crazy stage animals. A solid track that overshadows the decidedly too complex and inconclusive mid-tempo "Sex Fire Religion". It's like watching my hometown's football team maneuvers. As is obvious, the change of direction is gradual, and there are still evident signs of power metal in some passages. The up-tempo "Wake Up Dreaming", for example, follows the trail of the previous LPs. Joyful atmospheres permeate the cheerful and sufficiently fast "Pride of Creation" endowed with magnificent choruses à la "Judas At The Opera" and extremely well-crafted melodic lines with comebacks of sure impact.

But the terrain on which Edguy of Tinnitus Sanctus wants to move, and most probably those of the near future as well, are the mid-tempo tracks, and to remind us of this, here's the catchy "9-2-9", the beautiful bridge and epic chorus of "Dragonfly", and the imposing Nine Lives; solid as Charles Barkley's shoulders. Memorable is the absurd, fun, and disorienting country rock of "Aren’t You A Little Pervert Too???" perfectly in sync with the likes of “Save Us,” “Fuckin’ With Fire,” and “Trinidad.” However, in my opinion, the prize for the best of the batch goes to two very different songs; the overly flashy and rocking "Dead Or Rock", which becomes addictive from the first listen despite its predictable path, and "Speedhoven". As you may have guessed, I prefer this one, and now I’ll describe it to you in detail, whether you like it or not.

The first time I heard it, I was quite taken aback. I mean, starting with the chorus is shameless. It’s a bit like telling a girl you’re trying to hit on: hi, gorgeous, want to hook up tonight (cf. G.I.P. Le Iene)??? I was tempted to hit the skip button, but instead, after 30 seconds, it starts with an irresistible mid-tempo on which Toby dives with a grandiose, dirty, and passionate singing. The build-up of the verses to the chorus is pure enjoyment, and the keyboards and backing vocals powerfully accompany the track, enriched by an applause-worthy pause/restart with the drummer Felix stealing the show. 8 minutes says the stereo??? And who the heck noticed?!

Edguy is a great band that knows how to play and offer moments of excellent music. It used to be power, now a bit more hard/pomp/rock. Damn the mind of Tobias Sammet: he doesn't know contraceptives and is always pregnant with new admirable works at hyper-close intervals. Yes, I'm envious, but I’ll give you 4 stars again this time for this "Tinnitus Sanctus", you bastards :)