Website: www.blind-guardian.com/
Label: www.nuclearblastusa.com
Country: Germany
Genre: Power/Speed Metal
In 1984 four young musicians from Krefeld, Germany raised a band wtih a meaningful name calling themselves BLIND GUARDIAN. Since their debut BATTLIONS OF FEAR (1988), the band constantly improved their musical abilities. Their mission to stir up the metal scene was deeply anchored in heart and mind. FOLLOW THE BLIND (1989) pre-destined the boys would go down in history as an extraordinary band.
Over the years the band has made some changes and recently it was decided to continue with some new blood.
A deal with NUCLEAR BLAST records was signed and in addtion new skin miester Frederik Ehmke joined the group.
Long-time producer, Charlie Bauerfeindof, once again stepped in and gave the eagerly-awaited new studio album his own brand of expertise.
“Fly” is a typical Guardian epic, comprised of several different sections, tons of guitars and the usual lush vocal
harmonies. Hansi cranks out the soaring melodies and the guitars rip all over the place! As a teaser, this single is
great, and you'll notice that the band is creating amazing music with a little less formality. The song is incredibly
layered, and basically is a continuation of the predecessors evolution and at the same time does not become less accessible. After multiple spins the track instills huge memorability, which further proves the creativity of this band.
I'll admit that I cringed when I saw that the third track was a cover of a song that has been covered numerous times, but the band does a solid job of “making it their own” by speeding it up, utilizing their typical guitar harmonies and a ton of overdubs. Hansi also 'Guardianizes' the chorus and the whole thing comes off as a menacing update to an old classic. In the end… Great Job!
One caveat is the addition of some techno-like keyboard parts featured in the opening of “Fly” and apparent throughout the cover track. Since so many metalheads may despise this sort of thing, it needs be mentioned.
Ultimately this is a must-have item for fans and a great intro that fully represents the current Guardian sound for anyone who hasn't sampled the group yet.
note: 7.5/10
Tracklist
01. Fly
02. Skalds And Shadows (acoustic version)
03. In A Gadda Da Vida (cover version)
Line-up
Hansi Kürsch – Vocals
André Olbrich – Guitars
Marcus Siepen – Guitars
Frederik Ehmke – Drums
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