EDGUY
Rocket Ride
Nuclear Blast Records 2006
www.edguy.nu

What’s the 4-1-1?
German power metallers return with their latest album; the follow-up to 2004’s Hellfire Club.

Genre
Power metal / hard rock

The Good
The eight minute epic “Sacrifice” begins your cosmic journey. The track changes tempo on several occasions, but still has a lot of guitar and vocal punch on the choruses. Prepare to strap yourself in, because the fervent rhythms and chugga-chugga guitars of “Rocket Ride” barrel along at the speed of light. The slow build-up on “Wasted Time” projects that something big is going to happen. Edguy doesn’t fail to deliver on that notion with fiery guitar work, over-the-top choruses, and powerful vocals.

“Return to the Tribe” has a movie hero theme quality to it. The chorus is loaded with great layered vocal harmonies, while the verses are dominated by speed metal style guitars and drums. “Save Me” is an effects heavy power ballad that’s full of emotion. The appeal of “Catch of the Century” isn’t just in its catchy progressions, but in the tongue-in-cheek lyrics. I love Tobias Sammet’s rant at the songs conclusion. “Superheroes” is another track that’s anthem worthy.

The Bad
I question the decision to start the album off with mid to low tempo track “Sacrifice.” You want the first song to be in-your-face and full of energy. That way you pull the listener in. “Rocket Ride” would have been a better choice.

The Verdict
Edguy’s latest album is a wild Rocket Ride to a power metal utopia. I don’t think it has quite the same kick that 2004’s Hellfire Club did, but it’s still a solid album.

Did You Know?
Ex-Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske contributed vocals to Edguy’s “Judas at the Opera,” which appeared on the Superheroes EP.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne