German power/speed-metal band. They can also be described as fantasy- or Tolkien-metal, because of their lyrical content. One of the originators in their category. Originally named Lucifer's Heritage, they started in the mid 80's. Their sound is sort of a heavier and speedier version of Helloween. Also check out Demons & Wizards, a side-project from vocalist Hansi Kürsch.

TALES FROM THE TWILIGHT WORLD (1991) VIRGIN

Blind Guardian's 3rd album is filled with melodic power/speed metal as only these guys can do it. This is sort of the album they really found their sound, and it is also their first for the mainstream label, Virgin. That said, this is still a "younger" band than we are used to nowadays. The production is defiantly much rougher, and the overall sound is not as epic as would become the standard on latter albums. I still say this works quite well for them. The fact is that 'Tales From The Twilight World" contains several of my favorite Blind Guardian songs. "Lost In The Twilight Hall" sees a guest lead vocal performance by Kai Hansen. We also get treated to more stellar art work from Andreas Marschall. "Tommyknockers" is, as far as I can see, inspired from a Stephen King book. So not all tracks are Tolkien-worship. :-)

Killer tracks. Traveler In Time, Lost In The Twilight Hall, The Last Candle

SOMEWHERE FAR BEYOND (1992) VIRGIN

This was the first Blind Guardian-album I heard, and so far it's my favorite too. It just sets the standard for Blind Guardian's sound and style. Speedy and heavy tunes, but still with plenty melody. They are always on the verge of being progressive. The complex song-structures never get in the way of the good melodies. "Spread Your Little Wings" is an excellent Queen cover. Kai Hansen from Gamma Ray guests on this album.

Killer tracks: Journey Through The Dark, The Bard's Song - The Hobbit

IMAGINATIONS FROM THE OTHER SIDE (1995) VIRGIN

The first Blind Guardian-album I bought. One thing that's always cool about Blind Guardian-CD's are the cover-artwork. Andreas Marschall rules, and this is one of his finest works in my opinion. On this record Blind Guardian brought in Flemming Rasmussen as producer. He's famous for his work with Metallica. And this Danish producer works well for Blind Guardian as well. There are really no other bands that play quite the same kind of music, as these guys. And their sound has not changed from the previous effort.

Killer tracks: Imaginations From The Other Side, Script For My Requiem

THE FORGOTTEN TALES (1996) VIRGIN

An odds and sods release, that gives me mixed feelings. The tracks that are good here, is really great. But the less than memorable tracks are just awful! Old 60's pop-songs made into 90's German speed metal just don't cut it for me. "Mr. Sandman", "Barbara Ann/Long Tall Sally" and "Surfin' USA" are horrible. The Beach Boys have made at least 2 of these famous, and no metal band should ever record them again! The Mike Oldfield cover "To France" gets my approval, but it's not by far my favorite track on here. It gets much better with Queen's "Spread Your Wings". This is an excellent version, that also can be heard on Blind Guardian's 'Somewhere Far Beyond'. But the icing on the cake here, is Uriah Heep's "The Wizard". The Germans do this tune total justice, and this version RAWKS!! The rest of the tunes are B-sides, and rearranged Blind Guardian-tunes.

NIGHTFALL IN MIDDLE EARTH (1998) VIRGIN

This one was a bit harder to get into. They've proceeded with a more progressive sound, and without so many catchy refrains. Still a very fine disc indeed. And given the right amount of time, you will find many interesting tunes here as well. There aren't 22 full songs on this, but between songs there are short intros, outros etc.

Killer tracks: Mirror Mirror, Nightfall

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA (2002) VIRGIN

Finally the long awaited album is here. But was this what we hoped for. I'm not sure. The songs are great, and Blind Guardian haven't changed their musical formula. But the production is a bit too much here. The band use 250 tracks to capture all the different instruments, voices, effects etc. on this CD. It must have been an ordeal to mix it all together. In my opinion they have managed to pull it off, but still most of it sounds pretty unnecessary. If they had recorded these tracks in stripped down version, we had probably gotten the finest Blind Guardian album ever. I still enjoy it immensely, but am a bit put down at the same time.

Killer tracks: Sadly Sings Destiny, The Maiden And The Minstrel Knight, And Then There Was Silence

A TWIST IN THE MYTH (2006) NUCLEAR BLAST (Limited Edition 2CD)

With the first ever line-up change in Blind Guardian's history, it's time for something brand new from Krefeld's metal elite. And it's obviously not only the line-up that has changed. The music has also underwent some serious makeovers. This is not to say that Blind Guardian anno 2006 is completely different. But it is no denying that they have gone for a way more mainstream approach this time (well, as mainstream as you can get playing orchestral/progressive melodic power metal that is). Gone are the speed metal from the early days, gone are the over the top orchestral parts from 'A Night At The Opera' and as far as I can tell, there are no Tolkien inspired lyrics here either. 'A Twist In The Myth' is simply the band doing music they love, and I for one applaud them for it. The CD has become an enjoyable affair, not too far from what you'd expect from the boys. The music is still filled with loads of technical details from the production room. It is also heavy and with memorable hooks. I get an unmistakable feeling of listening to Blind Guardian, yet it sounds the same and different at the same time. A song like "Another Stranger Me" sounds almost like something Blackie Lawless would write, but at the same time it is obviously André's trademark guitar sound, and Hansi's signature voice. Strange, yet effective. I'd go as far as to say that 'A Twist In The Myth' is the bands best effort since 'Imaginations From The Other Side'. My limited edition comes with a bonus track, and a totally unnecessary bonus CD with interviews and multimedia stuff.

Gamma Ray - 'Land Of The Free', 'Rebellion In Dreamland' & 'Silent Miracles'

Edguy - 'Vain Glory Opera'

Grave Digger - 'Excalibur'

Angra - 'Temple Of Shadows'

Demons & Wizards, Savage Circus