-Edguy-

Power metal band formed in 1992 by vocalist/bassist/keyboarder Tobias Sammet, lead-guitarist Jens Ludwig, guitarist Dirk Sauer and drummer Dominik Storch.

In 1994, the band cut the demos Evil Minded and Children of Steel. In 1997, Edguy released the Erik Grösch-produced Kingdom of Madness, which featured a guest appearance from vocalist Chris Boltendahl. In 1998, Storch was replaced by Frank Lindenthal with whom Edguy recorded Vain Glory Opera, which featured guest appearances from vocalist Hansi Kürsch, lead-guitarist Timo Tolkki as well as backing vocalists Andy Allendörfer, Ralf Zdiarstek and Norman Meiritz. The album achieved a commercial breakthrough. Lindenthal was then substituted with Felix Bohnke (ex Merciless Gnom). In 1999, Edguy recorded Theater of Salvation, which was a commercial success. The band soon employed bassist Tobias Exxel (born Tobias Eggsel) in order to let Sammet concentrate on the vocals. In 2000, Edguy rearranged and re-recorded the tracks from their debut and issued them on The Savage Poetry. The effort featured guest appearances from pianist Frank Tischer as well as the backing vocalists Markus Schmitt and Ralf Zdiarstek. The album spawned commercial success. In 2003, Edguy achieved instant success with Burning Down the Opera.