Blind Guardian - Nightfall in Middle Earth

Blind Guardian is one of the most well known power metal bands out there, and with good reason: they are an amazingly talented group of individuals. For those unfamiliar with Blind Guardian's style, they're what you'd get if you mixed the pseudo-operatic vocals of Iron Maiden, Speed and Intensity of Metallica, the catchy chorus's of Queen and ungodly amount of kickass. Formed in 1985 in Krefeld, Germany, Blind Guardian originally went by the name "Lucifer's Heritage". Since then, they've released 10 really kickass albums that everybody should own (especially their later works). This particular album is a concept album of sorts, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novel The Silmarillion.

The band is:

Hansi Kursch - Vocals/Backing Vocals

Andre Olbrich - Guitars

Marcus Siepen - Rhythm Guitars

Thomas 'Thomen' Stauch - Drums

Guest Musicians on this Album:

Oliver Holzwarth - Bass/Fretless Bass

Mathias Wienser - Keyboards/Sound Effects

Micheal Schuren - Grand Piano

Max Zelzner - Flute/Alto Flute

Note: Some of the tracks on this album are nothing more than short monologues/skits, or short instrumental interludes.

2. Into the Storm (4:24)

After the little intro skit, were suddenly thrust into the Albums first real song. There�s a dong, then the opening riff comes in like a swift kick to the nuts (which is a good thing in a musical context). On this track we�re introduced to the vocal harmonies and catchy hooks that are part of Blind Guardians signature sound. There�s some very melodic lead work near the middle of the track, which works very well. A very high energy track.

4. Nightfall (4:35)

The polar opposite of Into the Storm, this is a nice power ballad from BG. At first I didn't like it, but now I love it! Blind Guardians songs are always well crafted and arranged, and this is no exception. It is, simply put, a masterpiece of music! From the haunting flutes, so Hansi's dynamic vocals (the man can sing like an angel, bark like a hell beast and do everything in between) to the brilliant lead work, everything flows and fits together to create one absolutely brilliant song!

6. The Curse of Feaner (5:41)

Another song that has grown on me. More dynamic vocals and lead work! Andre Olbrich's use of lead guitar is very unique. Instead of just playing shred-solos, he plays melodies almost the whole song. Also, his solos are amazingly crafted, being a series of melodies and harmonies instead of just scalar runs and wank. Also, this song has some of my favorite lyrics ever.

8. Blood Tears (5:23)

Blood Tears starts off with an almost hypnotic sounding intro. It begins with an acoustic guitar (with some weird echo effects), some keys and Hansi's unique voice. The whole thing feels quite laid back, having an almost 'dreamy' quality to it. At the 0:57 mark, the electrics and drums come in and things get heavier. At the 3:00 mark we get another brilliant guitar solo from Andre. A great track, but nothing compared to.

9. Mirror Mirror (5:07)

My favorite song, not just off this album, but off all time. There's a rather restrained intro, with some nice keyboard/guitar harmonies. Then, the vocals come in and everything gets kicked up a notch. The chorus on this song is really good (it has officially replaced Run to the Hills as "the song with my friends when we are wondering around aimlessly"). The lead work on this is really upbeat and catchy, in the fact