This is the only album I can claim as a constant favorite. It overflows with emotion more powerful than any other "metal"album I own.

Though it is a concept album based in J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Silmarillion", reading the book is by no means a prerequisite. If you haven't read the book, listening to this CD may well compell you to. If you have read the book, you will appreciate even more the powerthirst, deceit, betrayal, madness, inspiration, honor and reverence reflected so brilliantly in both the music and the lyrics. Being a fan of heavy metal is also not required to enjoy this CD. In fact, aside from the heavy drums, electric guitars and somewhat gruff vocals, this album utilizes a style much closer to symphony opera than "heavy metal".

As hard as it is to choose highlights, the songs I find most captivating would be "Nightfall" which I think sets the sets the stage for the rest of the album, pulling you in with its imagery, and epic feel, "Mirror Mirror" and "When Sorrow Sang" for their powerful telling. "Noldor (Dead Winter Reigns)" has a fabulous bass line and yearning tone that grabs me every time, "When Time Stands Still (At The Iron Hill)" has some of the best vocal acting on the entire album, and the acoustic ballad "The Eldar" is a beautiful and touching example of the emotion and variety I consider to be the outstanding features of this album.

This review is credited to:
Tresa Crane

This is Blind Guardian's sixth successful release after the magnificent although slightly less epic- 'Imaginations from The Other Side'.

On this album, Blind Guardian display a class of musicianship in a league of their own. After a brief intro , 'Into the storm' is the perfect opener intertwining the classical elements they have perfected over the years, with the frenetic drum patterns, Teutonic guitars and the amazing multi-layered vocal harmonies. The fourth song 'Nightfall' is a mid-paced anthem with excellent choruses and wheezing guitar solos. Flemming Rasmussen who had produced 'Metallica's- Master Of Puppets' has done an excellent job on this album, the sound crystal clear, enhancing the songs to an excellent renaissance

As this is a concept album based on J.J.R tolkens story 'The Sillmarillon'. With a total of 22 songs, although half of them introductions for the next song this may be a little too much for Guardian fans or new comers alike.

Compared to the folkish elements of -'Somewhere far beyond' and the medieval tinted, fast-paced - 'Imaginations From The Other Side'. It seems Blind Guardian have slowed down with this album, combining the elements of their last two albums, but, straying away from their speed metal roots of their debut 'Battalions Of Fear', and even 'Tales From The Twilight World' , to concrete a more mature power metal direction.

If you are a fan of technical fantasy metal, then this is the album for you. But, be warned you will need several listens to take everything in.

This review is credited to:
metalwarrior