The Metal Saloon: Edguy - Manchester Club Academy

Edguy set off to the UK to play the first of the three scheduled England-dates at Manchester Club Academy on February 2nd as part of their 'Age of the Joker' Tour. Supported by the Classic/Hard Rock band Voodoo Six for the UK elbow of the tour, (who earlier on in 2011 supported Michael Monroe) these long haired rockers certainly got the kinetic energy in the crowded room going. The vigour was excelled further when Edguy took to the stage.

The set kicked off with the 'Nobody's Hero' from the new album, then straight into 'The arcane Guild' with powerful, technical riffs and steady, heavy rising drums beats. 'Tears of a Mandrake' followed, distinguished by its atmospherical introduction and skin crawling, gothic harpsy chord. Contrasting with 'Rock of Cashel' - an irishy, folky, piratey sounding song because of its rhythms and upbeat but waning notes and adventurous lyrics. The set list then moved on to everybody's most loved and favourite, 'Lavatory Love Machine'. The crowd were kept going all through the evening and roared with praise when Edguy played a cover of Iron Maiden, 'The Trooper'.

Time for the epic drum solo, which was the highlight of the whole evening. Seemingly to go on for 5-10 minutes, the audience were compelled and in awe for every minute of it. Following the theme of circus' and jokers, the drummer played as if he were a puppet on strings, in a playfully robotic way, 'bashing' his head with his drum sticks as he put his foot down hard on the bass giving it a very amusing and realistic feel and look!

The great night was ended by the Great 'Superheroes', but it hadn't ended there. Edguy were encored for another two more song, finally ending the night on one of my favourites 'King of Fools'.

Good luck to Edguy on the rest of their 'Age of the Joker' Tour.