Search - Edguy :: Mandrake

Drown in the Tears of the Mandrake

Charles | San Diego, CA | 06/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Edguy's "Mandrake" is often considered to be their magnum opus despite that being a matter of individual taste, but then I can see why people would say this. Overall, it's Edguy's last album to feature "true" neo-classical elements, the album is also very-well varied exploring different power metal styles from speed, to anthemic melodies, aggression, and atmospheric choir-sounds. The album opens up with the 7 minute mid-tempo epic "Tears Of The Mandrake" which has a very catchy chorus, rather different from typical power metal melodies. It's also fairly progressive too with the midsection. "Golden Dawn" and is typical Edguy. "All The Clowns" is really catchy at the chorus, and somewhat emotional vocals are sung by Tobias Sammet in this song - you'll tell why it was the first video because of it's very singalong chorus. Nice dual guitar lead too before the climax. "Nailed To The Wheel" is a personal favorite off this album - aggressive chorus unlike other Edguy songs, Iron Maiden-like verses (but no way are they a rip off - they are their own band) and pre-choruses, then a few flashy guitar solos - Probably one of their heaviest songs - I must note the high pitched shrieks in the chorus are intense as f**k and I LOVE IT!! "Wash Away The Poison" is a nice ballad to add to the album, "Save Us Now" is a rather typical sounding Edguy song with some interesting lyrics that show off the surreal humor of these guys haha. Overall, this is a very diverse power metal album and is the bridge between early Edguy to later Edguy (Hellfire Club and up) - I have all their albums and I love all of them in their own ways. I'd say "Mandrake" is one of the best from a unique power metal band. Highly recommended!"

More of the same

Christian Vonbun | 04/05/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mandrake is more of the same Edguy we know: powerful, good mooded, plain vanilla heavy metal we are usedto love. This album is not extraodinary, but very good in Edguy's fashion. More of the same. And that's why it's so good."