Edguy
Tinnitus Sanctus Nuclear Blast

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

Comments: Gotta hand it to Tobias Sammet. This guy is about as prolific and talented a songwriter as you'll find in all of Metal. His Avantasia project proves that when others bring his visions to life -- like Jorn Lande, Alice Cooper, Michael Kiske, etc. -- he just never misses. But Sammet is best known for his place in the Metal juggernaut Edguy, who 14 years after their debut are still evolving on Tinnitus Sanctus.

"Ministry of Saints" sets things in motion, and this has a tinge of Stratovarius "Kiss of Judas" darkness and pacing to the verses. Although constantly referred to as a Power Metal band, those days seem to be in the past. Edguy quit being formulaic a while ago. "Ministry of Saints" is a huge anthem, complete with a scorching guitar and Sammet's masterful vocals.

Edguy often puts a sense of humor into their compositions, and you'll hear it on "The Pride of Creation." It must have been an epiphany for Sammet to write the line, "You're alive said the maker, and smiled at the aardvark." Seriously, it's in there. This track is more aligned with the Power Metal moniker musically, but thematically, it's all fun with heresy, questioning God and his passion for silly rules. "Why do they have to get married before they do what they do," questions Sammet, earning him some more detention in Purgatory, if he believes in that sort of thing. What a quirky and damn awesome song.

Every song on Tinnitus Sanctus seems like it could be a hit on Metal radio. "Nine Lives" features keys and a thumping rhythm section, and the most uplifting chorus on the entire album. The lyrics keep you entertained as well, with lines like, "Your head in my crotch has turned to a boot." This is the song that sticks in your head the fiercest after one listen.

"Dragonfly" is one of those songs that could fit on an Avantasia release, because it is sounds serious, although the lyrics continue Edguy's penchant for utter flippancy. It's also repetitive, and you'll get tired of the "You wanna fly, so you drag on flies," cuteness immediately.

They only have one real ballad on the release, and it's "Thorn Without a Rose." Take that, Bret Michaels. By the time you hit the chorus, the song boosts into a mammoth chorus, with skillful backing vocals lifting up Sammet's presence. Although weirdly worded, the message here is to keep on keepin' on, and it's another highlight of Tinnitus Sanctus.

It all ends with one of the goofiest songs they've ever recorded, "Arent' You a Little Pervert Too." It's a country ho-down, and hilarious. Sammet also takes a stab at American's uptightness, when he sings, "There's a million different ways to get off. I have seen it on TV in Tokyo, in Finland, in Australia ... not so much in America. Americans prefer the rodeo." He also could have gone with NASCAR. Oddly, it seems the perfect way to end the album.

Tinnitus Sanctus is another excellent Edguy release. While they aren't a Power Metal band any more, they are still a Metal band, and simply put, anything Sammet writes is going to be popular to Heavy Metal fans.

Track Listing:
1. Ministry Of Saints
2. Sex Fire Religion
3. The Pride Of Creation
4. Nine Lives
5. Wake Up Dreaming Black
6. Dragonfly
7. Thorn Without A Rose
8. 9-2-9
9. Speedhoven
10. Dead Or Rock
11. Aren't You A Little Pervert Too

Hardrock Haven rating: 7.7/10