Edguy
Vain Glory Opera

THE REVIEW

An introduction to Carmina Burana takes us by the hand and guides us in listening to "Vain Glory Opera," the album that in my opinion, despite the maturity not yet fully acquired at the time, can be defined as the best from the young Germans.

It’s the usual, overused power-metal, but in this album, Edguy showcase a remarkable performance, thanks also to well-written songs. Above all stands the sweet ballad "Scarlet Rose," but the initial tracks "Until we Rise Again" and "How Many Miles" also manage to be appreciated for their mood, melodic just enough. Important in this album is the collaboration of Hansi Kürsch from Blind Guardian in "Out of Control" and in the title track. Hansi's husky voice is firmly counterbalanced in these tracks by Tobias's delicate one, making these two tracks truly unique in Edguy's entire discography. Scrolling through the tracklist, the seductive "Tomorrow," the concluding "But Here I Am," and "Hymn," a very well-crafted cover of Ultravox, are noteworthy.

An album that in my opinion is essential for fans of melodic power. Forget today's Edguy: "Vain Glory Opera" is indeed a rather carefree and more monochord album than its successors. This is where the band's rise in the metal scene began and I believe that even out of curiosity, one should listen to the album at least once.