Blind Guardian's Reviews

A Night at the Opera

It might be years before the full impact is felt

I've got to be honest: I'm still trying to wrap my mind fully around this one. Most bands de-volve into ever increasing spirals of simplicity and commerciality over the years. Blind Guardian is doing the exact opposite. Every iteration of the band grows more and more progressive. My prog-fan friends are literally freaking out over this band: they aren't doing what they're supposed to! It's getting even more brave, even more groundbreaking!

And, in the case of "Night at the Opera," much more huge.

In fact, during the hallowed "Tales from the Twilight World" years, when BG's impact was first being felt in Europe and Japan (and for the lucky few of us here in the US), this band was clearly a speed metal band with a twist: their sound was actually UPLIFTING at times, an anomaly in the genre (Yahoo still has them classified as "Death Metal"--incredibly insulting). With their latest release, Blind Guardian have fully incorporated their ultra-speed roots with totally new styles. Truly, Blind Guardian has the most significantly unique sound of any band in the last 10 years. From mere speed metal with a gimmick, BG has become the most universally un-definable heavy act I've ever seen. Yes, they're Power Metal, but... Yes, it's Progressive, but... Yes, it's got some Queen-esque overtones at times, but...

You can't pin them down, other than to say, "It's really heavy, and really intense." And maybe that's the way it should be.

"Night at the Opera" must be experienced with a clear head and a sound mind. Songs like "Punishment Divine," "Under the Ice," and "The Soulforged" will undoubtedly satisfy even the heaviest appetite. "Sadly Sings Destiny," with it's epic chorus, will quench the listener's thirst for a hook. But even these massive tracks have elements rarely seen in heavy music. Unexpected breaks abound, even in the most vanilla moments of the album.

Other songs, such as "Age of False Innocence" and the incredibly diverse "Wait for an Answer," take the band in directions fans might not be comfortable with. But that's exactly what makes this album undeniably relevant. The band is moving, working, evolving. After many, many years--it's still happening with these guys. Their 7th album, unlike many other bands, reveals a unit vital with energy, fertile with creativity, and ripe with talent. Would fans accept anything less from BG? Not a chance.

We've all watched with amazement as a little-known post-Maiden speed metal band called "Blind Guardian" grew into a true power in modern heavy music. Now nothing can deny them their just rewards. They have become legends in their own time, in spite of the mainstream's ignorance. Their latest tour, which includes dates in the US for the first time, proves as much. Sold out shows in Atlanta and Chicago (both of which I was priviledged enough to attend) became unforgettable events we lucky few will cherish for a lifetime.

Buy this album. Not for quick thrills, for there are none. But for lasting, deeply fulfilling, musical satisfaction.

Buy this album on Amazon at $14.99