Edguy - Mandrake (2001)

Fresh from his triumph with Avantasia earlier in 2001, Tobias Sammet returned to Edguy, and continued to show why power metal just somes naturally to him.
This is a consistent, catchy and highly enjoyable collection of energetic tunes which are not groundbreaking or hugely variable, but just keep the fun rolling along with their grabbing melodies and vigorous playing.  Highlights include the opening "Tears Of A Mandrake", "All The Clowns", the more thrash-styled "Nailed To The Wheel" and "The Pharaoh", but there's plenty more to like here from a talented band, led by a young man who knows what he wants, know what the fans want, and knows how to bring it all together.
Still don't like their name though.

****1/2