Search - Blind Guardian :: Imaginations From Other Side

Amazing power metal album - remastered

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 06/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just when we thought Blind Guardian couldn't possibly get any better, they hit us with 1995's Imaginations From the Other Side, which is arguably the best power metal album ever released. I know that's a bold statement, but I did say "arguably". I know there are more important power metal albums out there, and that Nightfall in Middle Earth is widely considered the best Blind Guardian album, but Imaginations is just so...powerful. No other power metal album has hit me quite like it, and I doubt any ever will.



Coming on the heels of the excellent Somewhere Far Beyond, Imaginations From the Other Side shows Blind Guardian perfecting their power metal style. All of the elements are in place - the fantasy-themed lyrics, epic song arrangements, blistering guitar riffs, and of course Hansi's unique and intensely powerful vocal delivery. Songs like I'm Alive, the Script for My Requiem, Born in a Mourning Hall, Bright Eyes, and the epic title track hit you like a heart attack, while ballad A Past and Future Secret leaves you amazed at the band's talent and versatility. There is not a weak moment on the entire album. Every song, and indeed the entire album, is power metal perfection.



Imaginations From the Other Side is nothing short of a must-have power metal album. Once you hear it, it will no doubt become the standard by which you judge all other power metal albums.



NOTE: This is the first Blind Guardian album since their debut not to feature a Kai Hansen guest appearance, but Pretty Maids vocalist Ronnie Atkins was on board providing background vocals.



NOTE 2: The 2007 reissue of Imaginations From the Other Side features digitally remastered sound (not that it really needed it), a trio of bonus demo tracks, and videos for Bright Eyes and Born in a Mourning Hall. I'm not usually a big fan of demo tracks, but these are fairly interesting. The videos are the best bonus feature, though the Flash format prevents you from storing them on an iPod or similar device."

Minstrel Metal

H. Behmer | Houston, TX USA | 02/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had only heard clips before buying this album....this is second only to "Nightfall In Middle Earth" which came out shortly after. These guys have been a mainstay in the thrash/speed metal genre for many years now. They have truly risen the bar with acoustic/orchestral arrangements along with operatic vocal harmonies that compliment the higher energy sections (piercing melodic dual guitar harmonies and strumming patterns) which inspire the listener to envision adventures in times long past, and fierce devotion to something other than themselves. Anyone who is into speed/thrash metal should own this album along with nightfall. According to its genre, this is a five star album for sure."

Imaginations

Charles | San Diego, CA | 08/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my favorite Blind Guardian CD of all time as well as one of the all time favorite power metal albums. I don't find a single track in this record bad, all of it its an awsome musics! I really recommend this along with all the other BG CDs the most though!"