Formed back in 1992 by 3 of the band’s current members, whilst they were still in school together; Edguy started out as a fun-loving band that just wanted to play good, traditional, heavy metal. Starting out by playing covers of their favourite teenage bands (Iron Maiden, KISS, AC/DC etc.), they moved to playing largely the work of Edguy’s front man, Tobias Sammett. Taking a lead from his teenage idols, Sammet writes very much in their style, whilst using the instrumental know-how of his fellow band members to create exciting arrangements of the songs.

After almost 5 years of hard work, playing together, entering band competitions (unsuccessfully) and endlessly pestering record companies (again, unsuccessfully!), they were taken on by AFM records, with whom they remained right through until 2003. Their first mainstream release was Kingdom of Madness, in 1997 and – whilst the quality of sound recording isn’t far from the production you get on a local band’s debut album – it still showcases a number of impressive songs that set the foundation for their style. The track Wings Of A Dream is also revisited in 2001.

The next 3 albums – Vain Glory Opera, Theatre Of Salvation and Mandrake is my favourite selection. Displaying every type of song that you’d expect from a traditional heavy band, with power/speed influences, there are numerous diverse tracks, from the anthemic Vain Glory Opera, to the powerful ballad Scarlet Rose. From the exploratory The Pharaoh to the progressive 14 minute Theatre Of Salvation. Each of these 3 albums are classic demonstrations of Edguy’s style and abilities, and are essential to any record collection.

Edguy’s relationship with AFM records ended amicably in 2003, and was celebrated in their glorious live album – Burning Down The Opera. Adding once more to the diverse elements of Edguy, this live album demonstrates their excellent abilities playing in the live arena. As well as sounding great, the album shows the group to be great entertainers and not afraid of experimenting with their material live. And – of course – having a whole lot of fun in the process!

Edguy were immediately snapped up by the gigantic Nuclear Blast record label, and released an EP (King of Fools) and their latest album Hellfire Club in 2004. Whilst the appearance/marketing of the album seems to have been put through the corporate machine, the album content is still very much Edguy. Since that release, there has been a ‘best of’ release Hall Of Flames, which is a compilation of all the albums released by AFM. This is by far from the end of Edguy, just the closing of the first chapter of the band’s history. A new EP ‘Superheroes’ is due September 2005, with the promise of a new album too.

Now part of Nuclear Blast, Edguy may have to take a more controlled approach to their music. However – their latest effort shows little signs of restriction of artistic license by their label. With tracks like Lavatory Love Machine, King Of Fools and the hilarious Life And Times Of A Bonus Track (off the EP), the new chapter of the band’s history should be as exciting as the first.

The opening track to Hellfire Club – Mysteria sums up nicely what Edguy have been all about since their teenage years – powerful, melodic driven classic metal, with the appropriate opening scream: ‘Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome. To the freak show.’

It may have taken years for Edguy to transform from a small-time school band to a worldwide tour-de-force, but I – for one – hope the freak show runs for many, many more years.

Edguy are living the dream.