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

|