Customer Reviews

Tinnitus Sanctus

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Edguy's "Tinnitus Sanctus" isn't your typical Edguy album, nor did my ears even hear songs that stood out as Edguy to me. What we have here is something different, but so different it's hardly the band's signature sound, and so different that it's not even original. Edguy is a German metal band that have done things differently from "typical" power metal bands. Edguy dropped the power metal since 2004 in a way, and "Rocket Ride" was hardly power metal at all. If "Rocket Ride" was a hard rock record (many ways it was like hard rock and 80s classic heavy metal), then "Tinnitus Sanctus" is practically pure hard rock. There's hardly any metal on this album. There's hardly any Edguy on this album. There's hardly any creativity and musicality that previous Edguy albums had. Not even the band's video release "Ministry of Saints" which was a pretty heavy track but lacked creativity from Tobias Sammet's previous writing. "Ministry of Saints" was a cool song, it was more Edguy than any other song on the album, it wasn't as commercial as "Superheroes" but still commercial nonetheless. "Ministry of Saints" had a ridiculously repetitive guitar riff and lacks memorable guitar play but the melodies were nice on that. "Tinnitus Sanctus" is an album that simplifies Edguy's sound to a very disappointing low. There's almost no guitar riffs that stand out on this album as most of the guitar riffs are simply rhythm power chords, guitar solos are often short and typical of 80s American metal/hard rock tunes. What the hell is this? What happened to Edguy? This album sounds so...American rock that perhaps their European (majority) fanbase would have some major backlash against the band. Vocal melodies on this album are so mainstream sounding, they lack originality, and they don't even sound like Edguy melodies anymore. Tobias Sammet said in an interview that he'd rather create an "creative album" (like "Tinnitus..") than a "typical power metal stinker." Well, I'm sorry but this album lacks creativity. I'm not sure what he considers to be "creative" but have you heard the diversity and musicality on their previous albums? From 2000-2006, Edguy's albums "Mandrake," "Hellfire Club," and "Rocket Ride" were Edguy's more original albums breaking the power metal norms as a Helloween clone. They created this sound of their own...that was real creativity. "Tinnitus Sanctus" sounds like old American 80s hard rock. Most of the songs on this album don't have that Edguy kick to it. Even Tobias Sammet's work with Avantasia was creative. The "Metal Opera" albums had creativity in storytelling and classical atmosphere in the music. Sure, it had its typical power metal moments, but there was something about the melodies that differed it from the typical. "The Scarecrow," although I consider it musically weaker than the Metal Operas, was probably the most creative Avantasia album. It was diverse, progressive, and brought more influences outside of power metal while maintaining a very Tobias Sammet metal project. "The Scarecrow" was probably the most original sound that Sammet could create from a side project, it was considerably heavier and ballsy compared to the previous two. What I'm trying to say is that "Tinnitus Sanctus" isn't this magnum opus or super creative album that Edguy could have. It's an average album, it's Edguy's poorest effort. It's Tobias Sammet's poorest effort. I still enjoy listening to it but it gives me bittersweet emotions toward Edguy. There are some interesting songs, but I can't help but to think Edguy's trying to sound like 80s hard rock more than power metal, or that Tobias Sammet is trying to distance himself and the band away from the power metal roots that made Edguy so great in the first place. It's interesting, Tobias Sammet wrote every song on his own - the first time an Edguy album doesn't have any other credit. Despite enjoying the listens of the album, I'm pretty disappointed in the album. I can only recall 3 songs that were memorable - "Ministry of Saints," "Speedhoven," and "Wake Up Dreaming Black." Every else was that "oh that's cool...it's okay...blah" and could be skipped at times if I felt like it. Sorry Sammet, this isn't the best Edguy has ever sounded. Music isn't strong, it lacks the Edguy balls previous albums had, it lacks creativity, it lacks originality (and Edguy was all about originality...what happened with that guys?), and it lacks power. Tobias Sammet's voice isn't as great as it was before. It's very distorted, raspy, and doesn't sound so "alive." His vibrato isn't as clean anymore, and some of those melodies sound strange with his singing. I thought his voice was at it's best in 1998's "Vain Glory Opera." Up to 2006, it was still pretty good, but now I can't call him one of my favorite vocalists anymore. I still love Edguy though despite my major criticisms against the new album. I just listen to the albums before tons more. Honestly, I would have loved it if it sounded like "Rocket Ride." Edguy sounds really commercial and American with "Tinnitus Sanctus."

Strong songs: I wouldn't consider any song on this album "strong."
Pretty good songs: "Ministry of Saints," "Wake Up Dreaming Black," "Speedhoven."
Good/Decent songs: "The Pride of Creation," "Dragonfly," "Nine Lives," "Thorn Without A Rose."
Okay listens/weaker songs: "Sex Fire Religion,"" 9-2-9," "Dead or Rock."
Bad songs: "Aren't You A Little Pervert Too?!"

Every other Edguy song in the past has always been at least in the "pretty good songs-strong songs" area, but I haven't found a song that was just "Decent" until now.

So this album is definitely not worth getting "Tinnitus" over. It's not even heavy enough to get there. It can be powerful here and there. I can barely listen to this CD as an Edguy album more as a good hard rock album...from...Tobias Sammet. I have to say I still respect Tobias Sammet for daring to take steps outside of the label as a Power metal musicians. I know Edguy's been a tough band to label and why bother? But I'm really used to hearing previous Edguy stuff, it's hard to listen to this as an Edguy record.

My rating: 3 out of 5 for an Edguy CD. 3/5 for a hard rock album. 2/5 for a Metal album. There's no need to even bother with the "power metal" tag on this. If someone asked me what I think about this album...I say "It's alright, it's got its moments."

I really wish I didn't have to say this, but I have to echo the thoughts of the individual below me. This album was just dismal when it comes to any previous release by the likes of Edguy. I have been a fan of the things that most people like and most people don't like of Edguy, and upon listening to this, I feel like this was a HUGE step back for their creative writing process. Tracks that used to be very full of sound have been severely cut back to very bland sounding 4/4 time rock jams. Vocals and lyrics are just not hitting me as they used to. I readily admit I'm a terrible reviewer so give me some credit.
Ok, I get it, this isn't supposed to be Avantasia, and this isn't supposed to be like the previous works per-say, but this album gives me the feeling of a lot more lost than evolved. But hey, it's bound to happen. Bands release bad albums and most of the time produce epics after that. Can't learn to produce results without a few mistakes along the way right? Anyways, I'm not one of those guys who's going to say "I will never buy another album from them" etc because Edguy are still one of the bands I truly love and respect. Better luck next go around.

When comparing to other EdGuy, this is not my favorite. However, when comparing to other bands, I still think this is an above average CD. There are a couple great tunes on it, especially track #1. This has a less heavy feel to it, and personally I miss Mandrake and Hellfire Club style. At any rate, still some catchy tunes on this one, and powerful vocals (one thing I'm sure will never change no matter what Tobi's singing), although the lyrics not so straightforward. I'm a huge fan and will hold out for the next album, although this seems to be the standard progression for most bands...they seem to mellow with age.

It's whats been said by others, Tobias seems to be defending this album by "real fans love it", well I am a real fan and will always like Edguy, Avantasia, and Tobias; but it will be awhile before I give this disc another try. I don't care if a band gets softer, plays rock instead of metal, and am open minded to anything a group I like does as long as I enjoy the songwriting. The guitar riffs are bland / generic, as if no time were spent making them unique, the lyrics didn't grab me, and not even a single chorus was memorable. Whatever it is Tobias expected to achieve with this album is beyond me. I stomached part of rocket ride and the three new avantasia releases, and really do hope that at the next go at writing a record he'll find that songwriting part of himself again. It's rare i'll speak badly of a record by a band I like, and of course i'll go see them in concert and get their next record, but if your a new fan or one of those "not open minded metal fans" than don't waste your money. This is a huge letdown. If he doesn't want to make copies of his old albums over and over, than fine, but write something powerful and meaningful again.

Ever since seeing Edguy in concert a year and a half ago, I've been a pretty big fan of theirs. I immediately picked up Rocket Ride, and later Hellfire Club...loved both CDs. This album, however, fell quite a bit short in my opinion. This was one of those releases that I wouldn't mind listening to, but nothing about it really stands out to me. The first single, being Ministry of Saints, was something I'd expect to be an album cut on any other Edguy CD, so I was quite disappointed to find out that the rest of the album wasn't even up to snuff with that. Overall I wouldn't recommend this CD. If you're going to get an Edguy album, pick up Rocket Ride or Hellfire Club. You'll be much more satisfied.

I have to start saying that I had high expectations for this album. After reading an interview where Tobias said when they recorded Rocket Ride they were trying to prove they could joke around a bit but still do serious music(which I think they did cause Rocket Ride is a hell of an album but with a completely different direction from any other Edguy album before) and now, with Tinnitus Sanctus they were back on their road and always including new ideas etc etc etc. Anyways, after reading that interview I thought...well...they already tried something new, it came up decent, now they're back on track and maybe they'll deliver another Mandrake or Hellfire Club....geesshh I was wrong!
This album lacks of emotion, power and balls, and creativity....elements that have always been present in previous Edguy albums, including the "out of the blue" Rocket Ride. It is a shame that this album fell into the mediocre category because I strongly believe Edguy can still deliver strong performances in the studio. I don't want to get into the track by track description...is non-sense.
Like many people have written before me, there are some tracks that you'll actually skip before they even get to the middle, just because they are numb, powerless and weak. There are some tracks were you can definitely get a hint of the real Edguy music but still is way far from their best. Overall a mediocre effort by a band that can surely do way better because they have proven so. I don't think they've fallen out of ideas but I do think it was a forced album with a very poor production...good luck next time Edguy...I'll be eagerly waiting for it

The lack of creativity can be felt through the whole album here. No one song is good enough (by the levels set for Edguy).

I am very sad about this, cause I have been a Edguy's fan since I first listened to them back in the 2005, all their other albums are really good, full of spirit, inspiration and CREATIVITY, all recommended.

I think no good sells will come from this CD, because many, many edguy's fans will be disappointed too ... And this last should be good for Edguy's future. They will have to make a big analysis about where the band is going, and I really hope that with this they return to the road and their roots and finally next edguy's realese could be outstanding. ( As some times have happened with other good bands - ex Helloween)

Edguy's is recognized as a great power-metal band for albums like TOS, VGO, Mandrake, even rocked ride is full of creativity and inspiration even it is more like Rock-pop. Tobias must remember that ... forget about money and contracts and offer again honesty in his work.

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. That time has come.

I realize that a lot of die-hard Edguy fanatics will disagree with this whole review because they will swallow anything that the band throws at them. However, that's very immature and I am trying to be very objective so that people can find this review useful.

As a huge Edguy fan for many years, I am proud to say that I actually like every single one of their albums prior to this point. However, this album dives so deep into the mediocrity territory I honestly cannot even give it three stars. Why is it so bad?

"Tinnitus Sanctus" lacks the three vital elements that Edguy albums have ALWAYS had in the past: intensity, attitude, and balls. These concepts are simply nowhere to be found any longer. The songs are dull, non-memorable, sound rushed, and some of them you actually will want to skip before the song is over - absolutely unheard of in the past for Edguy.
Tobias' vocals = diminished.
Dual guitar solos = gone.
Creativity and interesting, memorable choruses = vanished.
There are only ten songs on this album (I am not counting the horrible bonus track) and I am being 100% honest with you when I say there is not a single one that stands out in any way.

So what exactly went wrong here? My guess is one of two things: either Tobias brought too much influence from his other band (Avantasia) into Edguy, thus ruining the material with this band, or - and this is what I am leaning towards in this situation - this band has simply finally run out of ideas. The album sounds forced, like they just tried too hard to actually record "something" just to put it out there. Definitely a huge disappointment.
I won't go into the song-by-song review, because that is usually a waste of time. I will just say that I regret buying this album and I hope you will not make that mistake. This is the first time ever that I can actually say I would not recommend this Edguy album to ANYONE.

You simply cannot beat Edguy! This album is unique, clever, headbanging fun. It's epic, humurus, rocking goodness. If you're a fan of power metal, hair metal, thrash metal, or just really great songs and vocals, this is a must for your collection! I've been listening to it almost daily since I got it 8 months ago, and I've never gotten tired of it. Tobias is the best the modern music world has to offer!

Edguy went from being one of my favorite bands to crap pretty fast. Hellfire Club, Mandrake, Theater of Salvation and Vain Glory Opera are all great albums filled with catchy melodies good solos and an amazing Singer. This album sounds like they wrote this in 3 days.