Nightfall in Middle-Earth [Import]

Nightfall in Middle-Earth [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Brand new 22 track album for 1998, including the track 'TheDark Elf'. Full color picture disc. A Virgin Recordsrelease.

Tracks:

War Of Wrath
Into The Storm
Lammoth
Nightfall
The Minstrel
The Curse Of Feanor
Captured
Blood Tears
Mirror Mirror
Face The Truth
Noldor (Dead Winter Reigns)
Battle Of Sudden Flame
Time Stands Still (At The Iron Hill)
The Dark Elf
Thorn
The Eldar
Nom The Wise
When Sorrow Sang
Out On The Water
The Steadfast
A Dark Passage
Final Chapter (Thus Ends...)

Album Description

Domestic debut of 1998 album, a musical interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale 'Night Fall In Middle Earth'. 22 tracks of metal fused with just a hint of folk & classical music from this German power metal act.

Customer Reviews:

Greatest Album Ever?.......2007-06-20

I must admit, I'm a pretty big Blind Guardian fan. I took a risk in early 1998 and bought an expensive 30 dollar import from an online retailer (this was 4 or 5 months before Nightfall came out, and a full year and a half before they were even SOLD in the U.S!), that being Tales from the Twilight World, and was hooked.

However, that would not prepare me for what is possibly the greatest album ever, the best (metal) concept album ever (other than Mindcrime) and the greatest symphonic metal album ever, Nightfall in Middle Earth.

You see, the newer Blind Guardian albums don't have such as scope as this, and don't sound half as organic. I think that they lost something after this album, which is likely their peak.

Its epic metal for the person who hates stuff like Rhapsody, its progressive metal for those who hate progressive metal (not me, but just a statement I'm trying to make). What really seperates Blind Guardian from the various "epic metal" and "Symphonic Metal" bands is EMOTION. Hansi Kursch really sounds like he is struggling when a character in a song is struggling, he sounds exalted when the character is exalted. Fabio Leone and others sound like robotic Kiske clones compared to this.

There is a rough edge to Blind Guardian that makes the competitors sound like mere competitors. Its the element that makes Emperor's symphonic majesty tower over stuff like Dimmu Borgir, and so on.

I would like to say its the fact that the band is still very riff oriented underneath all the bombast but thats not it. Its this human element, this imperfection that makes the band so powerful. They layer on guitar after guitar to rival Queen but its still not perfect, its whats going on between the notes that's just as important. And Blind Guardian understand this, they make music with melody, emotion, and POWER. Also, another thing that makes them the best in this Genre is the fact that they still have a soulful 70's element brought in from Prog rock and 70's metal that makes it sound unique compared to symphonic bands that just shred away for 50 minutes. Its this sometimes pentatonic scaling that gives it a bit more "soul" I would say. Plus when the guitars kick in, they're almost as heavy as thrash, something you can't say about a band such as say, Fairyland. Acoustic guitars and flutes sure help among the choir vocals.

Blind Guardian plays what is a normally very cheesy type of music topically and musically with panache, passion, and a dark atmosphere. This is another thing that makes them tower over their competitors.

The best album of all time? Its certainly up there. The Queen meets Queensryche meets Rage (german band) meets a group of medieval
bards is intact, but it is also so much more. This album defined a genre, the genre of Symphonic Heavy Metal, and stands among the best metal albums of all time.

wonderful.......2007-03-31

Just like a tale, it gives a musical story. Really good as we are used to hear from BG.

BG has won me over with this album.......2007-02-07

There are already tons of reviews for this album, but I just felt like I had to add one. I'm coming at this from a somewhat different perspective, for I'm not a fan of Blind Guardian (this being the only album I own by them), nor am I a fan of this genre of music. Yet despite my preferences, I still enjoy this disc enough to give a four star rating, which really says something I think.

I bought this album because I'd read so much about how it was inspired by the Silmarillion, one of my favorite books. At first I was pretty skeptical for a few reasons. For one, it really sounded like a gimmick to me. Lots of metal groups (especially European progressive ones) have theme albums, and they can be quite good, but they can also be exceptionally bad. Specifically Tolkien-themed stuff that's actually good is almost impossible to create, because it's hard to live up to Tolkien's writing abilities, especially considering that in the case of the Silmarillion, Tolkien spent almost his entire life slowly polishing the history of Middle Earth (from 1917 to 1973). I was also skeptical because I didn't see how a fast-paced, heavy metal album could possibly do justice to the content. The Silmarillion has some incredible highs, but mostly it is a tragedy: the tragedy of the Noldor, their "doom" as Tolkien would say. I thought that if anything fit Middle Earth musically, it would probably have to be some kind of New Age/Celtic/Folk fusion, all on a very somber note (maybe with some Mideastern influences).

I could go on, but I was expecting this album to be way off the track. Yet I was proven wrong. The theme album concept worked beautifully because Blind Guardian was smart - they didn't go off on a tangent and make the Silmarillion their own by reinterpreting it. Nor did they do what I expected, and which I would have loathed: utilizing as many placenames, character names, etc as possible just to "suck up" to Tolkien fans. Instead they kept out the gratuitous use of Tolkien's names, and used them but sparingly when necessary. The Tolkien names that Blind Guardian used amount to but a few: Silmarils, Noldor, Feanor, Arda, Vala, Morgoth, Eldar, Valinor, and possibly a couple others. That's it. If you've read the Silmarillion you know it's chocked full of names; the index takes up 80 of the 460 pages in my edition. I really expected this to be a Tolkien love fest, but instead anyone listening can tell that Blind Guardian was truly INSPIRED by Tolkien to write the things they did, they did not just REHASH or regurgitate what he had already written. Yet they didn't reinterpret either, for the lyrics are all pretty spot on with the storyline (once you figure out what's being referred to), they just did it without gratuitously spewing Tolkien at us.

As to the music itself: I'm still hesitant to say I like it. I simply love the choruses: it sounds like a hundred people are singing the words, and it gives the choruses such power. At first the only thing I liked about the songs were the choruses; they were diamonds in the rough, tiny little gems that I had to wade through lots of power-metal to listen to. As time has passed and I've listened to the album more and more, I've begun to like some of the fast paced songs in their entirety. There are a few really great riffs that get stuck in my head, but the choruses remain the most compelling parts of the songs.

"Into the Storm" and "Nightfall" were the first two songs that won me over. The choruses are great, and the rest of the tracks are epic as well. I'd say these are the most popular songs on the disc, and possibly the most popular Blind Guardian songs overall (based on the fact that I was at a BG show for three songs before I had to leave, and 2 of the first 3 were the aforementioned tracks). But surprisingly, I've started to really like other songs as well. The chorus to "Mirror Mirror" is one of the best choruses, and "Blood Tears" has some great moments as well. But right now my very favorite song off the album is "The Curse of Feanor." I can't get enough of this song; it just stays in my head for days. It keeps conjuring the story anew in my mind: Feanor, in his fell wrath, cursing Morgoth and vowing to have his revenge and to regain the Silmarils. Epic is a word that I can't help but use, and though the word applies to much of the album, it is at its high point right here. Another song that has this same epic quality to it as far as the theme goes is "Dead Winter Reigns." This track shows us the Noldor at the pinnacle of their folly, as they have just slain their kindred, and have journeyed far to the north to cross the sea when they are confronted by Mandos, who pronounces their full doom. Fantastic! The music I'm not wild about, but the lyrics are just pefect: `Noldor, blood is on your hands,' `this deed can't be undone,' `can't escape from my damnation,' and especially the whole last part of the song after the final chorus, which I won't spell out here. So many great lines. "The Eldar" is a great slow song - I was surprised BG could write a song like this after listening to the album up to this point (though the vocals get a little breathy in parts). I was so happy to see BG make use of the concept of the "doom of the Noldor" in this track. This is possibly the best song thematically, because the tragic nature of the entire story of the elves that returned to Middle Earth is melded with a very somber sounding song.

There are still some songs I don't like at all (mostly toward the end of the album, if you haven't figured that out yet): "When Sorrow Sang" is my least favorite, followed by "A Dark Passage." I'm not wild about "Time Stands Still" either, though there's a cool acoustic riff in there. And it's taken a LONG time for the narrated tracks to grow on me. If you haven't recently read the Silmarillion, these narrations will mean nothing to you, and will detract from the album as a whole, but in the context of the storyline they're (usually) fairly appropriate.

Well this review is already long enough. On some days I could almost give this a 5, and on some days only a 3. But coming from someone who doesn't like this genre of music, I think 4-stars is a huge success. Blind Guardian has accomplished their goal, and they have given us a soundtrack to the tragic aspects of the Silmarillion.

The finest music I have ever heard........2007-01-04

I love Blind Guardian very much. I love Tolkien very much. I love the Simarillion very much. And yet I was still unprepared for the utter awesomeness that this album carries inside a small disc of alloy. Many claim that Imaginations from the Other Side is Blind Guardian's ultimate album. I disagree: that award goes to Nightfall in Middle-earth!

War of Wrath: Excellent. Depicting Morgoth conversing with Sauron and sending him off to Middle-earth. Great voice acting and the battle SFX in the beginning are something I'd expect from Manowar. (Manowar: It's really something we wanted to do.)

Into The Storm: The best godsdamned opening you will ever find. It opens both the album and BG's live concerts flawlessly. Very enjoyable riffs and lyrics that stands the hairs on the back of my neck on end.

Lammoth: It's Morgoth. And he's...screaming. Yeah. ...neat. And...the wind is blowing, zomg.

Nightfall: This song about the Noldor's departure from Valinor brings up images of a world on the brink, contains the best choir I've seen, and is the only song capable of rivalling Valhalla as the favorite live BG song. There's nothing about this song to dislike, and it's more and more proof that a metal band like BG can do melancholy and non-metal music.

The Minstrel: I assume this is Feanor talking, and it tells us one thing: He has no idea what he's doing.

The Curse of Feanor: One of my top 5 BG songs of all time. "

Morgoth I cry
all hope is gone but I swear revenge
in my oath
I will take part
IN YOUR DAMNED FATE

Captured: I think we all owe BG a big thank you for bringing to us Morgoth's evil laugh, because it is awesome.

Blood Tears: A phenomenal song. It's melancholy and holds your interest through the entire song. The chorus is emotion-stirring, and the opening stanzas just reel you in. Plus it contains my favorite line to quote ever: Welcome to where time stands still
no one leaves and no one ever will

Mirror Mirror: If it were possible to distill pure, unadaultrated awesome into a song and project it into your ears so that you want nothing more than to stand up and start singing along at the top of your lungs, it - oh, wait, they've already done that with Mirror Mirror. Quite possibly the best chorus ever concieved, an excellent opening riff, and lyrics that stay with you after hearing only a couple times, and just....don't ask me to put how great this song is into words, I'm only a mortal man, I can't do it.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
true hope lies beyond the coast
you're a damned kind can't you see
that the winds will change

Face The Truth: This one has to be my favorite narrative. It's pretty deep, and sums up the Noldor's current situation (I.E. completely screwed) really well.

Noldor(Dead Winter Reigns): Another hit. In my opinion, the best melancholy song on the album. It's a unique combination of melancholy and power metal. Each part of the song has its own style, always leading back up to the fantastic chorus. The end brings out a sudden bit of piano that just ends the song in the absolute best possible way.

Battle of Sudden Flame: An interesting narrative-style piece that actually sounds a bit like a rejected sound clip from Nightfall. It's quite good, with a neat flute in the background.

Time Stands Still(At The Iron Hill):

The fate of us all
lies deep in the dark
when time stands still at the i-ron hill

A fantastic chorus, unique and very enjoyable music, and a live hit. The only song that can challenge Mirror Mirror and some freaking awesome music to play while playing Battle For Middle-earth 2. These and more describe Time Stands Still. You will put it on repeat for hours. This is not a prediction or an expectation. It is a fact.

The Dark Elf: DUN DUN DUUUN.

Thorn: This is an interesting, rather melancholy song about bad consience. It takes some time to grow on you, but once it does it's excellent. Yet more unique music and vocals, and some very, very nice cooperation between drums and guitar.

The Eldar: This song deserves a mention simply because it's unbelievable that Hansi Kursch can sing this high, nay, that any metal singer can go this high. If you played a song from Imaginations From The Other Side, and then this song, most people would not believe that it was the same band and same singer. It's a very good song with some excellent keyboard work.

Nom The Wise: A mournful goodbye to one of the finest of the Noldor, and also a strange contrast to the next song.

When Sorrow Sang: This song is precisely the opposite of what it looks like. With a name like that, you'd expect another melancholy song, huh? Wrong. This one is pure power metal. It doesn't make it a bad song, it's just kind of wierd in my opinion. Good beat, nice lyrics, excellent chorus as always.

Out On The Water: Another sad narrative-ish piece. Nothing special.

The Steadfast: Morgoth appears to be very pleased with himself. Jackass.

A Dark Passage: This one took me a while to get into, but it's an excellent song.
Deep in his castle he said,
All land be mine
there's one thing for sure
the triuph of shadow is near
Deep in his castle they sang
We shall not rest until all will be thine
All land is mine
you can be sure
don't dare me the mighty one screamed

Final Chapter(Thus Ends): This one isn't too good. Why is that? Because it's the end of the album. Just kidding. This is a fine narrative, explaining the conclusion of the Simarillion and almost sounding like it's describing Aragorn...but I don't think that's too likely.

There's only one bad thing I have to say about Nightfall in Middle-earth. On the album cover: Morgoth's taste in entertainment leaves something to be desired.

A progressive masterpiece on all levels.......2006-09-19

Like i said in the title, this is one of the few great power metal bands there are these days. Sure there are bands like Dragonforce or whatever but these guys have been here for a pretty long time, not judas priest long, but long nonetheless. This album popularly known as NiME, is a progressive masterpiece. Like Seventh son (maiden album), this needs a bit getting used to. At first, i was fairly dissapointed with this effort, but soon enough it grew on me. My theory on listening to music is that its hard to listen and like the music, when you don't know any of the riffs or lyrics. You can't sing-a-long which automatically makes it boring. But you'll know these catchy lyrics after the first time, because they are so damn catchy! There are 11 songs on the album ( not including the narratives). The narratives are what makes this album seem really progressive and story like. It's as if i'm watching lord of the rings the musical. Not don't take that too seriously, its just a thought. The narratives are great because they feature great battle sounds, some flutes in there, and a lot of yelling. Most of the songs on here are great. The only track that i really hate is Time Stands still ( at the iron hill), its so annoying. Not really metal, or anything really. I should categorize it as annoying rock. But otherwise this album is great, great progressive, passionate, emotional (not emo), dramatic music from the great minds of Blind Guardian.

Best songs: War of wrath/ Into the storm, Nightfall, The curse of feanor, Captured/blood tears, Mirror Mirror, Thorn, When sorrow sang, and A dark passage/ final chapter.

p.s. if you like this album, get the debut from Demons and Wizards!

Average customer rating:

Nightfall in Middle Earth

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Imaginations from the Other Side
Tales from the Twilight
Follow the Blind
Tokyo Tales
Forgotten Tales

ASIN: B000PMG9SK
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Album Description

2007 digitally remastered reissue of the German Metal band's 1998 album. Blind Guardian mix Gothic and Fantasy images with Speed Metal, creating their own other-worldly sound that they've managed to build upon for nearly two decades. EMI.

Average customer rating:

The Ultimate Power Metal Concept Album
the Bard's greatest songs
An absolute masterpiece!!
THE BEST epic midevil metal band. Terrific album.
Whoa, epic midevil storytelling.

Nightfall in Middle-Earth
Blind Guardian
Manufacturer: Import [Generic]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

A Night at the Opera

ASIN: B00000896M
Release Date: 2007-08-08

Tracks:

War Of Wrath
Into The Storm
Lammoth
Nightfall
The Minstrel
The Curse Of Feanor
Captured
Blood Tears
Mirror, Mirror
Face The Truth
Noldor
Battle Of Sudden Flames
Time Stands Still
The Dark Elf
Thorn
The Eldar
Nom The Wise
When Sorrow Sang
Out On The Water
The Steadfast
A Dark Passage
Final Chapter: Thus Ends....

Album Description

Brand new 22 track album for 1998, including the track 'TheDark Elf'. Full color picture disc. A Virgin Recordsrelease.

Customer Reviews:

The Ultimate Power Metal Concept Album.......2006-08-30

Just when I've convinced myself that Blind Guardian's 1995 album Imaginations From the Other Side is not only their best album, but the best power metal album ever, I listen to the band's 1998 epic Nightfall in Middle Earth and have to rethink my decision.

When I think about epic metal, this is the album that immediately comes to mind (the 23-minute title track from Symphony X's the Odyssey is a close second). Nightfall in Middle Earth is not just epic, it's EPIC. This is what Blind Guardian had been building towards for 10 years. The album, in case you hadn't guessed, is based entirely on the works of legendary fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien, specifically his Silmarillion saga. Not only did Blind Guardian faithfully adapt the source material, they included brief interlude tracks with sound effects and voice actors to help set the mood and ensure the story's progress. They did it well too, in case you were thinking of the uber-cheesy narration that Rhapsody kept inflicting on their listeners. All of the interludes on Nightfall in Middle Earth sounded as if they came straight from a major motion picture. And the actual songs are simply incredible. They're all extremely well written and well orchestrated power metal songs that are every bit as good as the stellar array of material on Imaginations From the Other Side.

Nightfall in Middle Earth is arguably power metal's finest hour, and nothing short of a must-have power metal album. Once you experience it, it will no doubt become the standard by which you judge all other power metal albums.

the Bard's greatest songs.......2001-07-09

NIME is the best cd I have heard to date... xenofall is correct... american metal is essentially dead. all the great metal (except iced earth) comes from places like germany, italy, and scandinavia...

An absolute masterpiece!!.......2001-07-05

Okay, I'll admit it! When I first bought this Metal CD, I was a bit reluctant to listen to it because I'm not that much of a metal fan, I thought that all metal bands were a bunch of screaming yahoos and had filthy and obscene lyrics in their songs. When I listened to this album, boy was I ever wrong! This heavy metal album isn't just any heavy metal album, it's an epic fantasy metal album, and this epic fantasy metal album is based on one of the greatest fantasy sagas of all time, "The LOTR Saga". It is based on the first novel in the LOTR saga called "The Silmarillion" , and man, dies Blind Guardian ever do a good job of interpreting this novel through their songs!! My favorite songs on the album are "Nightfall" (in which you can clearly visualize the lament of the Noldor elves), "Time Stands Still at the Iron Hill" (which excellently depicts the epic battle between the Dark Lord Morgoth and Fingolfin), and "A Dark Passage", which I like to call "Smash Down the Light!" which clearly expresses Morgoth's rage and dark desire to pour out his revenge upon the forces of the Light! I must recommend this album to all fantasy and heavy metal bands alike! Definitely buy this album! Oh, and if your a bit like I was and don't like metal, and think this is just a typical metal album with obscene lyrics and screaming so loud and ugly that you can't understand a word of the song, don't worry, Blind Guardian doesn't do this type of stuff, and when there IS screaming, it's there to express a character's lament or rage in "The Silmarillion".

THE BEST epic midevil metal band. Terrific album........2001-07-03

I have listened to this album about seventeen times since I bought it a few days ago. It is the best album on epic power midevil metal I've heard. Rhapsody comes in second, but they aren't as serious as Blind Guardian. This album is a concept album, like Rhapsody's three. It's based on a Tolkin novel. It has all the elements of quality metal, good speed, as well as terrific vocals. Then it has great midevil sounding music, like player flutes and minstral guitars. Very different... if your into just speed metal then get Iced Earth or old Metallica, but if you like epic story telling and fantasy movie like soundtracks then these types of bands are for you. I can't say enough about this band. They are just quality midevil metal. If you like Dream Theater's music and classic Queensryche's story telling and Iron Maiden's metal, then you'll like these guys.

Whoa, epic midevil storytelling........2001-06-28

If you don't know who Blind Guardian is then this isn't the album for you. If you like metal and epic storytelling from midevil times like J.R.R. Tolkien and D&D then this is right up your alley. More of a story concept type album than a rock album like their other ones. I just discovered this type of music after being sick of american metal and its fading quality. Metallica is dead, these guys and bands like Angel Dust, Rhapsody, Kamelot and Iced Earth have taken the reigns of metal and continued on where american artists have sold out. I look forward to buying their other albums.

Average customer rating:

Nightfall in Middle-Earth
Blind Guardian
Manufacturer: Jvc Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000RG1592
Release Date: 2007-08-08

Album Details

2007 Digitally Remastered Edition of the Band's 1989 Sixth Album.

Average customer rating:

Blinded Guardian from Wisbech UK
Blissful to the ears of all.
Not the greatest thing since sliced bread, but real good
the best of Blind Guardian and one of the best in power m.
Awesome CD from an awesome band

Nightfall in Middle Earth
Blind Guardian
Manufacturer: Jvc Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000006ED1
Release Date: 1998-05-13

Tracks:

War of Wrath
Into the Storm
Lammoth
Nightfall
Minstrel
Curse of Feanor
Captured
Blood Tears
Mirror Mirror
Face the Truth
Noldor (Dead Winter Reigns)
Battle of Sudden Flame
Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
Dark Elf
Thorn
Eldar
Nom the Wise
When Sorrow Sang
Out on the Water
Steadfast
Dark Passage
Final Chapter (Thus Ends...)

Album Description

Japanese edition of the metal group's 1998 album, a musical interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale 'Night Fall In Middle Earth', pressed on a colorful picture disc for the initial pressing only & with two hidden bonus tracks added: 'Nightfall' (Orchestral Version) and 'A Dark Passage' (Instrumental Version). 24 tracks total. Also contains a 5' x 5' sheet of logo stickers (four stickers - blue, red, green & yellow). A Victor release.

Album Details

Japanese Release featuring Earlier Release Date, Limited Edition Packaging, and Two Bonus Tracks: Nightfall (Orchestral Version), and Dark Passage (Instrumental Version)

Customer Reviews:

Blinded Guardian from Wisbech UK.......2003-07-02

What can I say about this album!?Im still lost for words!Its truly a masterpiece! Its by far Guardians best and most ambitious album, without being spoiled by overproduction (something I felt was a downside to 'A Night at The Opera')
Every track, even the shorter ones such as 'face the truth' and 'the minstrel' are carefully thought out and are effective shorter breaks between the longer tracks, such as 'thorn' and 'the eldar.'
Every time I listen to 'mirror mirror,' the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end!It must be Guardians best song to date and the album is just flawless. There isnt a bad track on it and there are countless epic moments to be found on the album.
If you are a fan of Guardians 'Battalions of Fear' then you may find the slight lack of 'thrashiness' a small disappointment, but this will soon be overcome by the sheer awesomeness that is this record.
You MUST buy it! If you only buy one album in your life, IT MUST BE THIS ONE!
The greatest power metal album by the greatest power metal band of all time.
Hail Blind Guardian!
Long they shall live!

Blissful to the ears of all........2001-11-08

Being an avid listener of melodic heavy metal, bands such as In Flames, Soilwork, and Dark Tranquility; Blind Guardian was kind of risky, moving into very fast paced Medieval melodies. All I can say is that it was worth the risk. Blind Guardian will please anyone's ears.

Quick drum beats and killer guitar riffs, all combined with classical instruments and one hell of a singer will bring you into a land of which words do no justice. Listening is the only way to experience the auora of Blind Guardian

If there is a single song that I would stake my taste in music on, it would have to be Mirror Mirror off of this album. The song incorporates every human emotion into the few minutes the song runs.

Blind Guardian shall lead you on an aural journey throughout time, the listener will not be disappointed.

Not the greatest thing since sliced bread, but real good.......2001-05-26

Ok, first and foremost, as a newly minted lover of all things Blind Guardian, let me just say I was initially disappointed with this album. I had just gotten through listening to "Twilight" and "Far Beyond" and being thoroughly blown away by both of those I had huge expectations for this newest album.

I was immediately wrapped up in the story of the disc; Guardian has done a phenomenal job of weaving a classic fantasy tale throughout the epic music and imagery. However, the band goes a bit over the top in their "orchestrated" approach. I understand their desire to create a fantasy-like medieval sounding metal album - and they did - but the Blind Guardian I LOVE is the speedier and still melodic power metal of their earlier albums.

Don't get me wrong, this album has many, many superb moments, but I found it meandering at times, especially during "Thorn" and the "The Eldar." On the plus side, "Mirror Mirror" might have just become my favorite Blind Guardian song. On the whole, an extremely worthwhile album if you're already familiar with the band; if not, pick up one of their earlier epics and ease into this one.

the best of Blind Guardian and one of the best in power m........2001-05-17

This cd is defenitely the best Blind Guardian cd, it is very epic-like and much more developed than the others. this cd is all about the silmarilion.in fact it is conceptual and tells the story thru awesome music, there are metal pieces filled with an awesome power and there are gentler medieval-like tunes and excelent rythmical pieces too, there are dialogues by the main caraters which sound as if they were taken out of a movie track (ecelent sound,clean and mystical) the whole cd has that imprint of Blind Guardian that at least in my case is the only band that makes me feel the true air I felt while reading the tolkien books, a very intense and awesome feeling comes along with music so good that you loose yourself into its powerfull-progressive blend into fantasy.

Awesome CD from an awesome band.......2001-03-26

Blind Guardian has created a masterpiece. It is a powerful and emotional CD. Definitely worth the money. The CD is based on Tolkien's Silmarillion, one of the greatest books of all time.

[Limited Edition CD & DVD] Ascendancy {DVD includes videos: Like Light to the Flies, Pull Harder on the Strings of the Martyr, Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation, Rain, Dying in Your Arms, LIVE AT THE LONDON ASTORIA 9/18/05 - Rain, Dying in Your Arms, Like Light to the Flies, Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation, Pull Harder on the Strings of the Martyr

Average customer rating:

[Limited Edition CD & DVD] Ascendancy {DVD includes videos: Like Light to the Flies, Pull Harder on the Strings of the Martyr, Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation, Rain, Dying in Your Arms, LIVE AT THE LONDON ASTORIA 9/18/05 - Rain, Dying in Your Arms, Like Light to the Flies, Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation, Pull Harder on the Strings of the Martyr
Trivium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000JNS6W2

Product Description

Disc: 1 1. End of Everything 2. Rain 3. Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr 4. Drowned and Torn Asunder 5. Ascendancy 6. Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation 7. Like Light to the Flies 8. Dying in Your Arms 9. Deceived 10. Suffocating Sight 11. Departure 12. Declaration 13. Blinding Tears Will Break the Skies [*] 14. Washing Away Me in the Tides [*] 15. Master of Puppets [*] 16. Dying in Your Arms [Video Mix][*] Disc: 2 1. Like Light to the Flies [DVD] [Multimedia Track] 2. Pull Harder on the Strings of the Martyr [DVD] [Multimedia Track] 3. Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation [DVD] [Multimedia Track] 4. Rain [DVD] [Multimedia Track] 5. Dying in Your Arms [DVD] [Multimedia Track] 6. Rain [DVD] [Live] 7. Dying in Your Arms [DVD] [Live] 8. Like Light to the Flies [DVD] [Live] 9. Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation [DVD] [Live] 10. Pull Harder on the Strings of the Martyr [DVD] [Live]

Average customer rating:

Nightfall In Middle Earth
Blind Guardian
Manufacturer: Century Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000LX73G0

Music Info: