THIS ALBUM IS BETTER THAN ANYTHING.
Lord Chimp | Monkey World | 06/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this is the first great Blind Guardian album, and despite its differences to their latest, _Twist in the Myth_, there is a "unity in differences" that has set the rails upon which this band has ridden. Here, where the band at first sounds immature, within a deflated creative dimension of its musical ideas. Yet there is a sublime craftsmanship beneath the surface that distinguishes them from the rabble of power metal. Below its ostensibly unpolished exterior, _Tales from the Twilight World_ exhudes not only intelligence, style, and proficiency, but the higher artistic virtues of character, and the happy rashness of imagination. They have everything going for them. Not to mention that Hansi's voice is still the awesome presence it always is. Hansi's screaming power metal voice is better than anything. The songs are brilliant. "Traveller in Time" and "Welcome to Dying" make two killer opening cuts. "Lord of the Rings", while elevated to sheer magic on the later acoustic/orchestral version (see _Forgotten Tales_), is a charming ballad with the embryo of their future medieval-esque, textural constructions. "Goodbye My Friend" is among their very best, with super-heavy, blazing and grinding guitars and one of hansi's most unforgettable vocal performances. "Lost in the Twilight Hall" is killer and Kai Hansen's guest vocals are hilarious. "Tommyknockers" is actually pretty sweet also but you can't help but chuckle at the chorus. Then best of all is "The Last Candle" -- incredible intro, incredible guitars and vocals, and one of the most perfect demonstrations of Blind Guardian's mastery of songcraft, emotional inflection, and sheer kcikazzery. as always (except on NIME), their closing songs top everything. BLIND GUARDIAN IS THE BEST BAND EVA"
Beginnings!
Charles | San Diego, CA | 08/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is Blind Guardian's first album that got pretty decent sound quality unlike their previous albums which were generally raw and had a more thrash metal sound. "Tales From The Twilight World" was the album that started the typical "Blind Guardian sound" we are more familiar with today - combining their thrash metal early years with more melodies and even have some sort of medieval flair to it! This is a must have in your Blind Guardian collection."
I'm a dwarf, but I'm no more than you!
Mustonen Maarit | Levänen, Finland | 11/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Super cheesy lyrics and brilliant metal music. Quite frankly, that's all you need. I approve!"