Every time I hear about a new Edguy disc, I have to wonder, are they going to continue their more Hard Rock direction or go back to the early days of their Power Metal catalogue. While Age of the Joker was on par with Rocket Ride and definitely better than Tinnitus Sanctus, it was still missing something that older fans of the band were missing. So when I heard about Space Police-Defenders Of The Crown, I raised my eyebrows and wondered if they had gone full tongue-in-cheek as far as the lyrics went, or were they trying something new. As a matter of fact, they are bringing back something most fans wanted, plus bringing us a disc of fifty five minutes worth of solid Edguy.

Speaking of the past, the first song Sabre and Torch, will remind listeners(or at least me) of Mysteria off Electric Hellfire Club. With its opening guitar riff, the tempo and vocal melodies. The first part of the title track, Space Police, actually in its verses reminds me of Theater of Salvation's The Headless Game(One of my favorite Edguy songs). For the life of me, I can't get the chorus out of my head, and after listening to it five times, I am singing along to every word. The plodding guitar rhythm in the verses that marches along, the majestic chorus, all staples of classic Edguy are all here. Tobias Sammet and company even add some proggy sounding spacey keyboards near the last two minutes of the song, to change things up a bit. Its one of the best Edguy songs in years. Defenders of The Crown, its definitely a faster paced melodic Power Metal song. Without any real comparison to the past, this song is definitely prototypical Edguy you would have heard prior to Electric Helllfire Club. The gang vocals in the chorus of the song, add a very cool dynamic to the song. The first single released, with a video was Love Tyger. The video itself was pretty entertaining and you can see it here. The song does not need an explanation, watch the video and enjoy. The interestingly titled The Realms of Baba Yaga is next. Its more of a solid hard rock/metal song with an AOR vibe in parts, with a cool drum downbeat during the verses. Sammet's voice takes center stage during the chorus section. I was expecting something silly with the song title, but it is just a silly title for an awesome song.

The next song is a metal cover of the 80s one hit wonder, Rock me Amadeus by Falco. Even with metal guitars, it is still one of the most annoying songs ever written, in my opinion. The added metal element, does make it a little more enjoyable and the chorus vocals are well done. This song does stick out compared to the rest, but that is what I think Mr. Sammet and company were trying to accomplish. Do Me Like A Caveman, and its wonderful title, is a mid-paced rocker with a well sung chorus. I was expecting something along the lines of funny classics such as Life and Times Of A Bonus Track or Trinidad or maybe even Judas At The Opera. Shadow Eaters is another mid to faster pace Power Metal song, with a very cool wah-infused guitar lead intro. Alone In Myself is next is the only ballad on the entire disc. If you listen to it carefully, there are several layers to it musically, and while its not Land of Miracles, its definitely up there with some of their best ballads. The nearly nine minute, The Eternal Wayfarer is next. I love the added strings you hear as the song starts to pick up.I am not going to break down every minute, but if you have heard any of their previous epics from Pharaoh(Mandrake) to The Piper Never Dies(Electic Hellfire Club, you will get a good idea of what to expect.

Edguy has returned to what made them one of the best Power Metal bands on the planet, with tongue and cheek humor, great musicianship,and amazing vocals. Sammet and company have created their best disc since 2004. Hopefully we don't have to wait another 10 years for another masterpiece from a band, that has their identity, personality, and a way of creating music that captivates your ears, and maybe your stomach (if you're laughing too hard!).

Thanks to Chris for allowing me, being the newer reviewer on the site, to have the chance to review this disc.