Edguy takes a huge step forward with 1998's Vain Glory Opera. Showing more classical influences, the songwriting take a huge step forward in quality and maturity. This album shows Edguy developing a truly unique songwriting style, combining metal and classical music with male choir-style backing vocals on the choruses. Most of the best songs, however, like "Until We Rise Again," "How Many Miles," the soft "Scarlet Rose" and the great title track are found on the first half of the album, giving it a slightly uneven feel. Still, Vain Glory Opera shows that there is a great new young band and it's name is Edguy. [A Japanese version of the CD was also released.] ~ David White, All Music Guide
Vain Glory Opera, released in 1998, is the third album by Germanpower metalbandEdguy. It was produced by Stratovarius' Timo Tolkki, who also played additional lead guitar on "Out Of Control", and featured additional lead and backing vocals by Hansi Kürsch of Blind Guardian on "Out of Control" and the title track "Vain Glory Opera." Further choir vocals were supplied by Ralf Zdiarstek and Norman Meiritz. At the time of recording the album Edguy had not chosen a permanent drummer for the succesion of Dominik Storch, yet. So session musician Frank Lindenthal, a good friend of the band, was asked to play drums on the album.
