Vain Glory Opera

by

Edguy

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You read that correctly. This album is one of the most perfect listening experiences I have ever had upon the very first listen of any album and that's over almost 20 years of metal. It reminded me of that great experience that "Operation Mindcrime" was but this is better. The album is based on our world in the year 2080 that has become empty of emotion. As for the album itself, it contains all that a metal fan will ever dream : power, fast, fiercly fast moments, always extremly melodic, guitars riffs and solos that comes down to Earth from heaven, great vocal parts, both lead and choirs, a kick-a** production and the little extra, that makes an entire difference : this album is emotion packed !!! THE perfect song : Out Of Control !!! With Hansi Kursch singing only a couple a seconds then and there... but the timing and the mix with Tobias' voice is simply PERFECT! This is a must own or forever regret it album, it belongs in every metal fan's collection, and if you don't know EDGUY yet, you'd better correct that mistake and purchase a copy here. It's pricey because it's only available as an import so pray for your soul that they have a copy of VAIN GLORY OPERA left!

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.