BLIND GUARDIAN
A Twist in the Myth
Nuclear Blast 2006
www.blind-guardian.com

What's the 4-1-1?
Eleventh release for the German power metallers.

Genre
Power metal / fantasy metal / melodic

The Good
Emotional, powerful, and melodic all come to mind upon hearing the albums opening track “This Will Never End.” All metal albums should start off with this much energy. There’s just something about the vocal tone that draws you in. Dark riffs dominate the tale of “Otherland.” The rhythm section is a bit subdued in the beginning, but it hits you full force when the song reaches its peak. The multi-part harmonies and doubled up vocals of “Turn the Page” are sure to move you. There are also some great guitar runs thrown in on the breaks. “Fly” is just a melodic metal powerhouse with an infectious chorus. Keyboard runs, pounding drums, and enduring vocals run rampant on the anthemic “Lionheart.” Thunderous drums and monstrous guitar riffs bring “The Edge” to life, while over-the-top vocals sustain its vital signs.

The Bad
“Skalds & Shadows” is a little too medieval for me. This acoustic number makes me imagine a leprechaun dancing around a pot of gold. Save your letters, I know it’s because I don’t “get” the music.

The Verdict
The only other album I’ve heard from Blind Guardian was A Night at the Opera and I wasn’t impressed. A Twist in the Myth however, blows that album away! If you like powerful guitars, booming double kick-drums, pumped-up melodic vocals, and fantasy driven lyrics, then you won’t be disappointed.

Did You Know?
Blind Guardian initially called themselves Lucifer's Heritage.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne