It’s been over twenty years since the start
of Blind Guardian.
“A Twist In The Myth” is the band’s first studio album
in four years. It’s been a while, but that’s ok, they are back
with eleven tracks almost fifty-two minutes of vibrant and energetic, symphonic
power metal. Some riffs just rock, and the guitar leads dance up and down
the frets. Their lead guitar harmonics sound is a signature of Blind Guardian,
the same with Hansi’s voice. Both make me instantly think of the band.
Hansi Kursch’s prominent vocals are an important element for this
band. I can’t picture the band without him. He has the staying power
with his vocals that many singers just don’t have. The drummer Frederik
Ehmke, had a little bit more of a duty than just the drums. He also placed
a flute and bagpipes on this disc. “Skalds and Shadows” the
flute, “Carry The Blessed Home” the bagpipes. Not only are these
musicians good, but they are well-rounded. Every track is a worthy Blind
Guardian tune, but they just didn’t seem to have many standouts like
their other releases. "Fly," "Carry the Blessed Home,"
and "Skalds and Shadows" were the best tracks in my opinion, but
everything else shouldn’t be ignored either. Their J.R.R. Tolkien
based album “Nightfall In Middle-Earth” still proves to be their
best album in my opinion though…a true concept album. “Skalds
and Shadows” brings me back to that disc with the folk elements. There
was only one thing that I had a problem with…the security voice-overs
kinda sucked on this; talk about ruining the flow of the tracks. I understand
the use of them, that’s fine, but it makes it hard to review when
you get interrupted every few minutes while listening. It can ruin your
impression of a tune. Producer Charlie Bauerfreind (Halloween, Gamma Ray,
Angra) handled “A Twist Of A Myth” at Twilight Hall Studios,
a first-rate job as usual. The great German power metal band Blind Guardian
are back with “A Twist In The Myth,” no do your part and check
it out.
Rating: 82
Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins |
