Edguy - Vain Glory Opera
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CD Details
Artist: EdguyEdition: Music CD
Format: Import
CD Release Date: 2002-09-23
Music Label: Seoul Records
Soundtracks:
- Overture
- Until We Rise Again
- How Many Miles
- Scarlet Rose
- Out Of Control
- Vain Glory Opera
- Fairytale
- Walk On Fighting
- Tomorrow
- No More Foolin
- Hymn
Music reviews of Vain Glory Opera
Music Review: Plenty to enjoy on this albeit early Edguy effort.
Rating: 3 Stars
After my 1st few listens to this CD (Edguy's 2nd full length album), I was inclined to chalk it up as another developmental step for Edguy. A big step forward from their debut mind you, with some good moments, but still too far away from what they would become to strongly recommend to fans of their more recent work. And frankly I couldn't quite fathom what some other fans and reviewers (some of whose reviews are on this page!) were hearing that I wasn't, praising this CD with comments like "greatest power metal CD ever," etc. (And I guess my final rating says I still don't, but trust me this is a very enthusiastic 3 out of 5). In particular I was puzzled by folks who feel Vain Glory Opera is better than Theater of Salvation (the follow-up to this one), given that TOS is almost universally regarded as the milestone that launched Edguy into the metal stratosphere. Well, I'm here to say that I think I get it now.
There are just some terrific songs here that have grown on me pretty quickly after repeated listens, even a couple that could hold their own among Edguy's best. The one element that sets this CD apart---in particular from its follow-up (Theater)---is the noticeably heavier sound, crunchier guitars, and overall more urgent, in-your-face delivery. Another thing I like is that the guitar solos here are no less melodic, yet display a little more flash and aggression than on some other Edguy albums (and I say this not counting Timo Tolkki's guest solos). In contrast, Theater of Salvation (for those who have heard it and haven't heard this) has a little more of a measured and restrained, almost perfectionist vibe to it, and I think that is a big part of what those who prefer Vain Glory Opera are tuned into---VGO is just more loose and balls-to-the-wall. A fine example of this is track 10, "No More Foolin'." It's easily one of Edguy's heaviest songs, the intro literally jumps out of the speakers, and it features an outright thrash metal breakdown at a little past the 3:30 mark that totally smokes and is not your everyday Edguy.
Another bonus here is Hansi Kursch's (of Blind Guardian) potent yet all too brief guest vocals on "Out of Control" and the title track, which incidentally are 2 of the album's best songs. The refrain Hansi delivers on "Out of Control" really adds an emotional punch each time the chorus comes around. Speaking of vocals, compared to other albums Tobias Sammett's delivery sounds a little different on this one. Can't quite put my finger on it, but it seems maybe he sings more consistently in a middle register here compared to other albums, and has a more "operatic" delivery? Not sure that's the right word, but I definitely hear something a little different, and I wonder if Hansi's style and presence here perhaps subconsciously rubbed off a bit in Tobi's performance? Anyhow, that's just my idle speculation. Nevertheless, Tobi sounds as great as ever and his delivery fits the material perfectly.
So, when push comes to shove, I guess I would still have to say that I think the compositions, arrangements, and overall production---while less heavy---are a bit more mature, tight and polished on Theater of Salvation, but I definitely understand why many prefer Vain Glory Opera. For me there are also just a couple of miniscule moments of unintentional cheese on VGO---a too kitschy keyboard part here, a slightly awkward vocal bit there---that keep me from rating this 4 or higher. They are only momentary distractions, but they are exactly the kinds of things you don't hear on Edguy's later work.
Bottom line: if you've heard everything from Theater of Salvation onward (or likely only Mandrake onward if you're from the USA) and you want MORE EDGUY, but you're worried this early career effort might disappoint you . . . do not be afraid! Get this! You'll notice some differences and it may take a few listens, but it's got some truly great songs and contains everything you already love about Edguy.
Description of Vain Glory Opera
Asian edition of the German progressive metal act's 1998 album. Deleted in the U.S. & most other territories. Seoul Records.Hard Rock & Metal CDs
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