Search - Blind Guardian :: Tales From the Twilight World

Blind Guardian's first true power metal album - remastered!

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 01/03/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While 1990's Tales from the Twilight World is perhaps not as impressive as later Blind Guardian releases, it is noteworthy in that it is the first album where the band totally embraces a power metal sound. Blind Guardians previous albums (Battalions of Fear and Follow the Blind) may have embraced the fantasy themes that are power metal standards, but the music itself was firmly in the thrash/speed metal style.



Tales from the Twilight World is still undeniably fast, but it is a power metal album from start to finish. The lyrical content is still very much in the sci-fi/fantasy realm. The overall songwriting has improved to become more melodic and incorporate more intricate song structures (and some amazing guitar solos). Basically, the Blind Guardian sound we're all familiar with was born here. Songs like Welcome to Dying and Lord of the Rings are fantastic power metal tracks (even though the latter is pretty much an acoustic ballad), and are still considered among the band's best material.



Gamma Ray's Kai Hansen makes another guest appearance on this album, further establishing Blind Guardian's credentials as a major German power metal band.



Overall, the album is not as memorable as Imaginations from the Other Side or Nightfall in Middle Earth (then again, what is?), but it is an important milestone in Blind Guardian's career, and is worth checking out if you're a Blind Guardian fan.



NOTE: The 2007 reissue of Tales from the Twilight World features a much needed digital remastering as well as a pair of bonus tracks. The bonus tracks are demos, and don't really add much, but the remastered sound makes this a must-have for all serious Blind Guardian fans.

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A++++ Reissue

Michael Anthony | Tampa, FL USA | 02/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Everytime I purchase a remastered album (which I'm a sucker for) I always compare it to the original and with this re-issue I must say I'm impressed. Along with the other Blind Guardian remasters this one really needed it and I'm glad they finally done it. This version is worthy of replacing the original you have in your collection."