Description

2018 re-issue on purple / violet vinyl with gatefold cover. Limited 500 copies

Recorded two and a half years after the legendary Helloween EP, Blind Guardian truly proved themselves with this invincible speed metal attack. It takes all of the standard elements set by the latter and blends them into a unique form of brute, yet melodious, mind-blowing Metal. Everything is perfect on this LP. Hansi does an excellent job. His voice is really clean and euphonic, and is nowhere near as rough as Kai’s. And what about ferocious shrieks? There’s plenty to find. The rhythm section is nice and tight, featuring solid bass work that is actually audible, precise drumming, and ear-blistering double bass. Yet the guitars are without a doubt the highlight of the album. Marcus und André deal out deadly riffs that’ll slice you to bits before you can fathom a thought. And their leads are absolutely the best. They have an unparalleled style that takes the brilliance of Glenn Tipton and Kai Hansen, and then takes it up a level or two. After a short intro (don’t be alarmed, it’s a requirement for a Speed Metal release) it kicks off with Majesty, a fierce 7 and a half minute track that greatly shows how Metal euphoria sounds. Catchiness is an understatement. One of the top ten speed metal albums of all time. This baby is carved in stone together with the Helloween EP. You absolutely need this album.

Track listing:
1. Majesty
2. Guardian Of The Blind
3. Trial By Archon
4. Wizard’s Crown
5. Run For The Night
6. The Martyr
7. Battalions Of Fear
8. By The Gate Of Moria
9. Gandalfs Rebirth