Band : Edguy
Album title : Age Of The Joker
Label : Nuclear Blast GMBH
Distributor : Pias
Release Date : 26/08/2011
Release : CD

I’m always looking forward to a new release by Edguy, or any other project that involves Tobias Sammet, so this album is no exception to the rule. And to say that Edguy released its first single only in 1995, and that this is already their ninth studio album.  You cannot blame these guys for not being productive.

Musically their style has – luckily – not changed.  They still play European power metal, somewhat similar in style to their fellow countrymen from Helloween. Of course the trademark of Edguy is Tobias Sammet’s voice, somewhat high pitched, but powerful, and with a lot of variation, and, quite exceptional for a German singer, with practically no accent whatsoever.
What I get after hearing an Edguy album is difficult to describe.  Let’s say it puts me in a relaxed mood, despite not exactly being relaxing music; but the atmosphere it creates is one of lightheartedness and joy.

I’ve enjoyed listening to this album.  Where its predecessor ‘Tinnitus Sanctus’ was not that strong, I think they’ve found the right path again.  This is an album that will probably make it to my top 20 list for 2011.

95/100

Erik Morren.