SEPTEMBER 30th 2011
EDGUY:
AGE OF THE JOKER
Review by: Metal Mom
1992 was the start for this German band that is known for being the biggest international acclaimed guitar driven band. One that has a power metal / heavy metal / rock sound. How did they come up with the name EDGUY, well from their math teacher at the time, a Mr. Edgar Siedschlag. They have sold more than 2 million discs, sold out concerts in 37 countries around the world. EDGUY is also one of the first German bands to play in Israel and China. And lets mention too that they have toured with such icons as Aerosmith, The Scorpions and Iron Maiden, now that alone is impressive.
For this CD “Age of the Joker” was done with producer Sascha Paeth at the Peppermint Park in Hannover Germany. It is the 9th album with 11 tracks of pure power metal and rock. There is also a ‘bonus disc’ available on a Special and Limited Edition of the album which also includes 6 additional songs. All done by Felix Bohnke (drums), Tobias Exxel (bass), Jens Ludwig (lead guitar/Dobro-on Pandoras Box), Tobias Sammet (vocals) and Dirk Saur (Rhythm guitar) along with guest Eddy Wrapiprou (Synth). All the lyrics and the music was done by Tobias Sammet, except for "God Fallen Silent" it was written by Jens Ludwig.
I have now learned a lesson, don’t listen to other people who generally like the same music as yourself. I have missed out on many opportunities to see EDGUY live because of it. And I wasn’t looking forward to listening to this CD. Boy were they wrong, I am definitely going to be more open minded and listen to more bands now.
I am so happy to have gotten the chance to review this album. Its one that truthfully I have not stopped listening to, it is so catchy, so easy to learn the words and sing along with. Like my name says Metal (Mom), lets just say that when it comes time to do housework, “Age of the Joker” plays, and before you know it I have all my housework done, and actually enjoyed doing it. That’s because EDGUY has got their style of music down to perfection, they know what they are doing and they do it so well. After 3 years of touring, this was their creation that they released to the world. The whole CD is very diverse, no two songs are the same. The guitar riffs have a harmonic tempo, which makes them very memorable. The bass is there, hard to hear at times, but you know that the bass pulls everything together nicely, listen hard you can hear it. The keyboards add the melodic power, again combining everything together to flow with a distinct powerful full blown melody. Lets not forget the drums, the drumming is precise and rhythmic, not too fast but all and out power/rock. Now for the vocals, they are what is focused on the most in a power metal band, Tobias has clean clear vocals, easy to understand and very commanding. I truthfully cant pick a favourite, as each and everyone of them has something different to it that I enjoy. I can also see why they would call it the “most successful album of all time”. It was done exceedingly well, put together with much thought. A lot of talent in EDGUY.
I know that next time they come to town or close by, I am going to be there. And I hope to see some of you there as well. These guys reign supreme in their genre.