After the very noticed Mandrake, Tobias Sammet and his band release a seventh album which, considering its qualities, will undoubtedly reach a deserved international recognition. This time, Edguy enters by the big door in the pantheon of the masters of melodic heavy metal.
What strikes first is the dynamics and the energy deployed by the band! Far from some aseptic productions, the organic and direct side gives life to the Edguy entity and makes it almost palpable. The compositions are accomplished and well worked without being difficult to access. The refrains are easily remembered and it is especially the diversity within the style that makes you want to listen again.
Edguy even tries to widen his vision with the excellent "The Piper Never Dies". This track of more than 10 minutes starts like a single, almost pop, then alternates calm passages followed by accelerations in the purest progressive style. Could there be some Avantasia in Edguy? It has to be. Sammet is too much of a metal fan to be able to compartmentalize his creativity.
A downside however: the dispensable "Forever", a syrupy ballad already too much heard and totally without interest. Edguy is above that! They can combine more surely feeling and melodies and give the proof in the amazing "The Spirit Will Remain".
Hellfire Club is therefore an excellent album and has everything to seduce the heavy metal lover. Of course, we still find the major influences of the band but less and less obvious, more diluted, thus forging the more and more affirmed and emerging personality of Edguy. A success, certainly...