Vain Glory Opera is the third (or second "official") studio album by the German power metal band Edguy, released in 1998. It was mixed 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 yet chosen a permanent drummer to succeed Dominik Storch. So session musician Frank Lindenthal, a good friend of the band, was asked to play drums on the album.
"Hymn" is a cover version of the song from the album Quartet (1982) by the British new wave band Ultravox.
Music and lyrics by Tobias Sammet, except where indicated
The prayers have been spoken
May the gods be on my side
May they join my way to bring me victory
Seven at one stroke
My triumph and my pride
They will be history
But behind my enemy's eyes
A soul in disguise
Not only lies
We live to fight the hand of doom
We got the pride to strike a fool
Vain glory be my wicked guide
We live to fight the hand of doom
We got the pride to strike a fool
Vain glory be my wicked guide
What's hell without a paradise
What's the night without a day
We would think it's bright
What's a fall if we can't rise
What's a hero at a play
Without a fool to fight
But behind my enemy's eyes
A soul in disguise
Not only lies
We live to fight the hand of doom
We got the pride to strike a fool
Vain glory be my wicked guide
We live to fight the hand of doom
We got the pride to strike a fool
Vain glory be my wicked guide
But behind my enemy's eyes
A soul in disguise
Not only lies
We live to fight the hand of doom
We got the pride to strike a fool
Vain glory be my wicked guide
We live to fight the hand of doom
We got the pride to strike a fool