Search - Edguy :: Vain Glory Opera

Plenty to enjoy on this albeit early Edguy effort.

R. Cashman | Plymouth, MA USA | 08/31/2006

(3 out of 5 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.

"

A perfect diamond

Charles | San Diego, CA | 08/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Edguy's "Vain Glory Opera" is their first album that really shows the talent of the band in songwriting and composition and their first "known" album (their label-debut album "Kingdom of Madness" isn't that well known but is still worthy of a listen for Edguy fans). This album does not get the attention it really deserves! Sure, "Mandrake" and onward are more well-known but for those who have only heard "Mandrake" and beyond are missing out on more "true" power metal. Musically, the "Mandrake" era and even onward after is different - "Vain Glory Opera" and "Theater of Salvation" are much more typical speed/power metal orientated being more lead-orientated, more elaborate guitar lines, solos and dual harmonies familiar to the sound of Gamma Ray and Helloween. Riffs were more riffy than rhythm-power chords, and harmonized here and there typical of Helloween. Songs were faster, vocals had a "cleaner" operatic edge (compared to Tobias Sammet's newer "raspy" vocal approach) and somewhat more "full," melodies had neo-classical sounds here and here, there's more lead guitar and shred solos which you can tell there are TWO guitarists, extensive keyboard usage is present, and choir-like chorus are present. I think "Theater of Salvation" and "Vain Glory Opera" are somewhat similar musically, but in my opinion "Vain Glory Opera" had better sound production especially in the drums and vocals. I think that "Vain Glory Opera" is very much more "typical" in the power metal area, but that doesn't mean "Theater..." isn't because that sure certainly is but there were me influences on that record that would grow into what eventually is "Mandrake" (that's not a bad thing, that would be when Edguy would find their distinctive sounds away from the typical Helloween/Gamma Ray kind of bands). The album's first real song "Until We Rise" kicks off with a harmonized verse riff with overlaid vocal melodies thunderously, and the chorus just has that typical hand-out fist pumping "manly" choir that really gets the crowd moving. And that double bass kick throughout the song is just killer! "How Many Miles" starts off with a pounding mid-tempoed riff and drums as the vocals just soar especially the pre-chorus where it picks up speed up containing harmonized guitar riffs once again. Many of the songs have harmonized guitar parts and occasional trade-off guitar solos, but guitar solos in general. Standouts on this record are "Scarlet Rose," a very emotional ballad in which Tobias gets to show his ability greatly and those acoustic guitars chime so beautifully, "Out Of Control" and "Vain Glory Opera" have Blind Guardian's Hansi Kursch on guest vocals (whom I absolutely love), and the Ultravox cover of "Hymn" really fits Tobi's voice yet again. This album is power metal at it's finest and perfected. Personally, I think "Vain Glory Opera" is a gem in the power metal genre, probably one of Edguy's best musically. I keep on saying "highly recommended" but I'm serious when I say this. Edguy's "Vain Glory Opera" is a 5 star effort and is a beautiful piece of art in music in general. A definite must-have in your collection."