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Edguy: Tinnitus Sanctus

Edguy: Tinnitus Sanctus

Melodic Heavy Metal
Rating: 4.5/5.0

www.edguy.net
Nuclear Blast
www.myspace.com/edguy

Nearly seven years ago, when I was looking desperately for some sign of melodic metal on this sad planet, I stumbled upon Edguy and their fantastic album 'Mandrake' on the ubiquitous worldwide web. Edguy is likely the single most influential metal band to bring me back into the heavy metal fold. They certainly are one of the root causes for the creation of Dangerdog Reviews. (For more history, see footnote below.) Therefore, to review the latest Edguy album, 'Tinnitus Sanctus,' is like saying hello to old, faithful friend. They are still one of my favorite metal bands, so don't expect me to be too objective in this review.

Tobias Sammet has reportedly said that 'Tinnitus Sanctus' 'could be the album we'll be measured by in the future.'* Maybe. The ever modest Mr. Sammet also added, 'We have ten extraordinary songs and this new album is gonna be our ticket to the hall of fame alongside with Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and AC/DC.'* Yeah right. I love this guy! Another perfect example of why I don't take metal to heart or too seriously. Yet, with all the superfluous hyperbole, 'Tinnitus Sanctus' is a darn fine work from Edguy.

There's really no need for comparison to previous Edguy material here even though there are elements from their storied musical history. 'Tinnitus Sanctus' is inclined to be slightly heavier than ordinary Edguy stuff: 'Sex Fire Religion' is proof of this. Yet, the great melodic metal for which Edguy is known remains throughout. The longer 'Speedhoven,' 'The Pride Of Creation' and 'Wake Up Dreaming Black' draw from this well. 'Speedhoven' is a close to epic as you're going to get on 'Tinnitus Sanctus.' The more popular melodic metal is still found on 'Ministry Of Saints' and 'Dead Or Rock,' a huge and lively rocking metal number; there is also a harder ballad in 'Thorn Without A Rose.' In these, Edguy stays true to form. For its fun and satire, 'Aren't You A Little Pervert To' may just signal a new career for Edguy. Hilarious! Overall, 'Tinnitus Sanctus' shows Edguy's maturity and continuing creativity.

I'm a huge fan of Edguy and they have been a great influence on my late metal history. 'Tinnitus Sanctus' may never replace 'Mandrake' as my favorite Edguy album, but it is a great and substantial work. It demonstrates that Edguy is at the top of their game and has much more to offer today and in the future. Highly recommended!

Historical footnote: You must understand that up until that time (circa 2000-2001), I had abandoned all hope for melodic metal, particularly in America. Much of this is due to the rise of grunge, nu-metal, metalcore and other nauseating dribble in the 1990's which still continues to this day. Essentially, I was in absentia and fell back on other musical loves including classical music and traditional blues.

*Both statements culled from blabbermouth.net archives.

In Short

I'm a huge fan of Edguy and they have been a great influence on my late metal history. 'Tinnitus Sanctus' may never replace 'Mandrake' as my favorite Edguy album, but it is a great and substantial work. It demonstrates that Edguy is at the top of their game and has much more to offer today and in the future.

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