Edguy had their work cut out producing a follow up to Tinnitus Sanctus, an album frontman Tobias Sammet proclaimed to be the finest of their career. Age of the Joker is certainly a worthy successor. Once again teaming up with producer Sascha Paeth, the band has put together another excellent set of songs that could justifiably escalate them into the company of metal's elite.
Tobias was very vocal about his distaste for the `loudness war' and this album does not fall foul to that unfortunate trend. Every instrument has room to breathe, with Tobias' soaring vocals giving more credence to his status as one of the finest singers in metal. The backing vocalists/choirs should also be acknowledged, as they do a terrific job and give a lot of power to the songs.
Things kick off with "Robin Hood", a song that gallops along like the titular hero on a trusty stead before a break that recalls Iron Maiden's "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son". "Rock of Cashel" revisits the Celtic influenced sound seen in tracks such as 2001's "Jerusalem", as well as Avantasia classics "Farewell" and "The Scarecrow". It features a beautiful, melodic break that most metal bands could only dream of producing. Tobias Sammet, jack of no trades, master of all it seems.
One of Edguy's greatest qualities has been the ability to assimilate new sounds and influences into their music, whilst still remaining undeniably Edguy. This is no more evident than on "Pandora's Box", which fuses country-esque riffs across a sprawling, atmospheric backdrop. The result is staggering.
A one two combo of "Breathe" and "Two Out of Seven" provides the albums knockout punch. They are massive, synth heavy rockers that modern Edguy does so well. Undoubtedly two of the highlights of the album, along with "Fire on the Downline", which has the best chorus on the album (but let's be honest, they're all winners).
The riff heavy power metal workouts are delivered in the form of "Nobody's Hero" and the blistering "The Arcane Guild", sure to quench the thirst of those yearning for late 90s Edguy. "Faces in the Darkness" features a slow, crushing riff and a brooding vocal delivery from Sammet with a spectacular chorus rounding things off. This is probably the best example of the layered vocals working so well.
"Behind the Gates to Midnight World" is a slow burning mini epic, a journey to a tranquil city amongst the stars. The gorgeous lead break is truly special. Things conclude with "Every Night without You", a wonderful ballad that Tobi seems to be able to effortlessly produce.
Nine albums, nine winners from Germany's finest metal export (sorry Mille!) 2011 may be the Age of the Joker, but for the past 15 years in heavy metal, it has been the Age of Edguy. Here's hoping this is an age that will last for many more years to come.