arcane-beautiful Edguy have a been an odd obsession with me for quite a while. While I do slightly prefer Tobias Sammet's project Avantasia due to it's more serious nature, Edguy are a band that are pretty much a sex fuelled parody band...but are they.

Edguy's career has been a very interesting one. Starting out as a pretty straight forward power metal band, the band seemed to have gotten a little bit more light hearted in their old age, especially with the release of my personal favourite album of their's “Hellfire Club.”

Edguy's last album “The Age Of The Joker” was a step down for the band, taking their original hard rock/power metal sound and making it a bit too comical. To be honest, when I saw the album cover and album title for this album, I did fear a little bit. But don't fear, this album...ain't half bad. Don't get me wrong, this is far from their best, but it ain't their worst either.

Musically the band are slowly turning into The Darkness or Scorpions...which isn't a bad thing. They are still able to not shy away too much from there roots too much, but the band have changed, in my opinion for the best. If you like a heavier hard rock band with some cheese and power metal elements, this album is for you.

The only criticism I would have with this album is Tobias' vocals. Back in the day, Tobias was one of the strongest vocalists in the game, showing off some pretty impressive Bruce Dickinson esque wails. On this album, there is a rather odd sound to his voice, which I feel may be due to age and strain (even though the guy isn't even mid 30's and yet and looks like he never ages). I think Tobias should really rest his vocal chords, cause they may be taking some strain.

The first single and opening track “Sabre & Torch” is probably one of the heaviest songs these guys have released in a long time. At times the riffs in this song wouldn't go amiss off of an early Metallica song.

“Space Police” is a very interesting song. One of the most proggiest and Queen esque song on the album, it goes into a lot of weird and wonderful territory. Some of it will make you laugh and some of it will make you raise your fist in the air with glee.

“Defenders Of The Faith” is a pretty cheesy song with a lot of anthemic moments and some rather odd and crazy lyrics. Some pretty impressive vocals from Tobias as well.

The album's lead single “Love Tyger” is a very cheesy song, but it's catchy as hell. Taking a cue from The Darkness, the band have a silly song about sex mixed with a very enjoyable cartoon video. 80's to the max, but still a kick ass song. Warning, this song will get stuck in your head for days.

One of the oddest moments on this album comes in the form of the classic tune “Rock Me Amadeus” as originally performed by Falco. This song would have eventually been covered by a rock band, and I'm glad Edguy were able to get their hands on this tune. Pure cheese put pure self indulgence.

The final track, the near 9 minute epic “The Eternal Wayfarer” is a pretty interesting affair. Building up throughout, it does have a pretty successful climax at the end. Some pretty impressive song arrangements and instrumental work throughout too.

In conclusion, this album is pretty much full of cheese. Some Edguy staples can be hear throughout and a slight change in direction is heard, but it is pretty much business as usual. One of their more eye catching albums in a while and one of their more stronger efforts.

7.6/10

Genres: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Fist, Power Metal, Comedy Rock, Classic Rock, Progressive Rock

Country of origin: Germany

Year of release: 2014